What did Jesus have to say about being blessed?

"Bless you" is a phrase that people often use. But what does it really mean to be blessed? What does it mean to be a blessing to others?

Jesus taught about this at the start of his public ministry when he addressed a crowd of people in what is now called The Sermon on the Mount. The term 'Beatitudes' comes from the Latin word beatitudo, meaning 'blessedness'. People think of the Beatitudes as being the 'blessed sayings' of Jesus.

In the Beatitudes, Jesus explains that the kind of lifestyle which is truly blessed is not based on what many people hold dear, for example, money and material wealth. According to Jesus, being 'blessed' (or as some translations say, 'happy' or 'fortunate') doesn't mean having lots of material things, avoiding problems and having a comfortable life. Instead, blessing (or happiness) can be found in some of the hardest times of our lives, and maybe even because of them.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
 Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
 Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
 Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
 Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

 Matthew 5:3-11

The blessing sayings can sound strange at first, possibly because they offer a striking contrast to the typical values of society. The Beatitudes show what it is like to feel, hope and love, to be more open to God, and to seek forgiveness and healing. Jesus also blesses those who promote justice, mercy and peace, things he spoke up for throughout his ministry.

Christians are called to follow the teaching of Jesus. But living a life described in the Beatitudes can be seen as weak. It can lead to harassment, insults, even persecution and death. Yet such a life is far from pathetic.

'Blessed are those who are humble,' comes from Psalm 37:11, which suggests that humility is not a sign of weakness but strength. It takes discipline not to be aggressive even when faced with aggression.

Humility shows patience, self- control and determination. Jesus says that God's kingdom is made up of people who are like this.

Other themes found in the Beatitudes The Beatitudes also talk about bereavement: “Blessed are those that mourn. God will comfort them”. You can find out more about what one Christian has to say about how his Christian faith helped him during a close family bereavement. Other themes of the Beatitudes include peace and justice. Christians may support charities like Amnesty International, International Justice Mission or Open Doors, all of whom seek to speak out for those facing persecution and bring peace and justice to those who know none.