The Beatitudes

 1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
 7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
 8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
(Matthew 5:1-12)

Read the footnote for Matthew 5:3 and the institute student manual Points to Ponder section:  "The Sermon on the Mount is Our Constitution for Perfection".  Write a definition for the word blessed or blessedness.

The footnote for Matthew 5:3 says, "The Latin beatus is the basis of the English “beatitude,” meaning “to be fortunate,” “to be happy,” or “to be blessed.”  Blessed or blessedness means being higher than happiness, an inward fountain of joy from the soul.

Read Matthew 5:12.  Identify or mark all of the "blessed" attributes in these verses.  Also, read the definitions President Harold B. Lee gave for each of these attributes found in the institute student manual Points to Ponder section.  From these verses, select three beatitudes and write a paragraph for each describing how living has in the past or can in the future increase your happiness.

"Blessed are the meek" - When I am meek, I humble myself and turn to the Lord for help.  This has helped me both in the past and can help me in the future.  While I was on my mission, there was no way that I would be able to do the work of the Lord if I wasn't willing to be humble and ask him for help.  There was no way for me to be an effective missionary without humility.  I am a weak human being and am nothing without God and his gospel.  But, in Ether, we see that the Lord gives us weaknesses so that we can be humble and rely upon him.  Then will he make our weaknesses strengths.  Any time there is a weakness, if I am meek, I will be able to see the hand of the Lord in my life, throughout my whole life.

"Blessed are the merciful" - I have tried my whole life to conscientiously forgiving.  And I have seen the benefits of that forgiving nature.  There have been many occasions that are very personal to me in where I have been hurt very deeply, but have found strength in the Lord to forgive that person.  Not only did we strengthen our relationship, but it strengthened my relationship with my Savior.  I know that when I am merciful, the Lord will be merciful towards me and forgive my trespasses.

"Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness" - I'm human.  And because of that fact, I have sinned.  I know how sin drives the Spirit away.  I know that sinning moves you further away from God.  All these things can be combated through a want and need for righteousness in my life.  I have felt the sweetness of repentance and that only makes me want to desire for righteousness more so.  As I continue to hunger and thirst after righteousness, not only will my life be happier, but the atmosphere and relationships in my family will be stronger and happier, as well.

*The Beatitudes are meant to bring us closer to our Maker.  I am so grateful for the Sermon on the Mount and how it teaches us more than happiness.  After reading the excerpts from the Institute manual and from the scriptures, I can see how each and everyone can be for our benefit in making us happier and for strengthening relationships all around.  And just like it says in verse 12, great is our reward in heaven.  I hope that I can live up to these instructions and find a great reward.