Living Word Beatitudes

Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you and reject you and insult you, and say you are evil, all because of the Son of Man. Be glad when that happens and dance for joy, because a great reward is kept for you in heaven. How terrible for you who are rich now! You have had your easy life. How terrible for you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. How terrible when all men speak well of you, for their ancestors said the very same things about the false prophets. But I tell you who hear Me: love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. And pray for those who mistreat you. And if someone takes away your coat, let him have your shirt as well. Give to everyone who begs from you. And if someone takes what is yours, do not ask for it back again. Give, and it will be given to you. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back. Do for others only what you would have others do for you. If you love only the people who love you, why should you receive a blessing? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, why should you receive a blessing? Even sinners do that. If anyone strikes you on the one cheek, let him hit the other also. Love your enemies, and do good to them. And lend expecting nothing back, and then you will have a great reward, for you will be sons of the Most High God. For He is good to the ungrateful and to the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Judge not and you will not be judged! Condemn not, and you will not be condemned! Forgive, and you will be forgiven.