The crowd says:
Poverty is for losers, because they have nothing worth
offering.
Mourning is for losers, because they will be left out of the
in-crowd.
Kindness is for losers, because they will be shoved aside.
Being hungry and thirsty for righteousness is for losers, because
‘might is right’ and money makes the world go round.
Compassion is for losers, because only the fittest survive.
Integrity is for losers, because they will be taken for a
ride.
Peacemaking is for losers, because they will be caught in
the crossfire.
Being persecuted for doing right is for losers, because in
the end it’s all in vain.
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on the side of a mountain and sat down. Jesus’ disciples gathered around him,and he taught them:
God blesses those people who depend only on him.
They belong to the kingdom of heaven!
God blesses those people who grieve.
They will find comfort!
God blesses those people who are humble.
The earth will belong to them!
God blesses those people who want to obey him more than to eat or drink.
They will be given what they want!
God blesses those people who are merciful.
They will be treated with mercy!
God blesses those people whose hearts are pure.
They will see him!
God blesses those people who make peace.
They will be called his children!
God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right.
They belong to the kingdom of heaven.
God will bless you when people insult you, mistreat you, and tell all kinds of evil lies about you because of me. Be happy and excited! You will have a great reward in heaven. People did these same things to the prophets who lived long ago.
(HT: Fritz Goerling)