Those who are blessed1Because of the large crowds, Jesus went onto a hillside and sat down. His disciples gathered around Him2and He began to teach them, saying:3"The truly humble, those who are poor in spirit, are blessed, because the Kingdom of heaven is given to them.4"Those who mourn are blessed, because they shall be comforted.5"Those with gentle spirits, the meek, they also are blessed, because they will have the earth as their inheritance.6"Those who long for righteousness are blessed, because they will be filled with God's life.7"The merciful are blessed, for God will be merciful to them.8"The pure in heart are blessed, because they will see God, the Holy One.9"Those who make peace with God and with others are blessed, for they will be known as sons of God.10"Even those who are persecuted for doing what is right are blessed, because the Kingdom of heaven is given to them.11"You are blessed when people insult you, persecute you or accuse you falsely of all forms of evil because of your allegiance to Me.12You should rejoice and be glad because a rich reward awaits you in heaven. The prophets who lived before you were persecuted in the same way.Be salt and light13"You are to be salt for the world. However, if salt is stale it loses its taste, and what can you do to restore its saltiness? Nothing! It may as well be thrown away and trampled underfoot!14"You are to give light to the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden from sight.15Neither do people hide the light from a lamp under a basin. No, they place the lamp on a lamp-stand where it can give light to the whole house.16In the same way, your spiritual light is to be evident to all around you; so that they can see the good things you do and then praise your Father in heaven.
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)