The Beatitudes of Matthew 5 describe the attitudes that ought to be in our lives today. Four
attitudes are described in the Matthew passage.
Our attitude toward ourselves (5:3). To be poor in spirit means to be humble, the opposite of the
world’s attitudes of self-praise.
Our attitude toward our sins (5:4-6). We should not only mourn over sin and despise it, but we
should also meekly submit to God.
Our attitude toward the Lord (5:7-9). We experience God’s mercy when we trust Christ, and he
gives us a clean heart and peace within. But having received His mercy, we then share His
mercy with others. We become peacemakers in a troubled world.
Our attitude toward the world (5:10-16). It is not easy to be a dedicated Christian. Our society is
not a friend to God nor to God’s people. Whether we like it or not, there is a conflict between us
and the world. Why? Because we are different from the world and we have different attitudes.
The Beatitudes represent an outlook radically different from that of the world. The world praises
pride, not humility. The world endorses sin, especially if you “get away with it.” The world is at
war with God, while God is seeking to reconcile His enemies and make them His children. We
must expect to be persecuted if we are living as God wants us to live.

Today’s Scripture: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid… Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16).
Read also: Matthew 5:1-16.
Action assignment: Take a sheet of paper and write four sentences completing these phrases:
“My attitude toward myself (my sins, the Lord, the world) should be …” Ask God to build these
attitudes in you.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in