The Sermon on the Mount
1Jesus saw the crowds and went up a hill, where he sat down. His disciples gathered round him, 2and he began to teach them:
True Happiness
3“Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
4Happy are those who mourn;
God will comfort them!
5Happy are those who are humble;
they will receive what God has promised!
6Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires;
God will satisfy them fully!
7Happy are those who are merciful to others;
God will be merciful to them!
8Happy are the pure in heart;
they will see God!
9Happy are those who work for peace;
God will call them his children!
10Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires;
the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them!
11“Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. 12Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted.
