Personal initiative

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 5:3)

Poor in spirit is the absence of pride, selfishness, competitiveness, and self-righteousness. It is humility.

Personal Initiative

Relationally: Blesses is the Church whose members can admit, "I was wrong!" for they will be free from arguments. (Matthew 5:3)

Poverty in spirit is one who speaks gently, mercifully, and patiently.

Personal Initiative

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

Mourning is to be sorrowful over sin. It includes penitence and restitution (if possible).

Personal Initiative

Relationally: Blessed is the church whose people can say "I'm sorry, please forgive me!: for they will be filled with peace. (Matthew 5:4)

"I was wrong" is a reflection of self. "I'm sorry" speaks to the other's feelings.

Personal Intention

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)

Meekness is controlling our anger, rage, malice, and bitterness.

Personal Intention

Relationally: Blessed is the church whose people practice self-control, for they will build unity and love in a most grand and unusual way. (Matthew 5:5)

Meekness is an example of faith!

Personal Intention

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matthew 5:6)

Righteous thinking involves helping others find Jesus.

Personal Intention

Relationally: Blessed is the church whose people are devoted to doing what's right, for they will be a family blessed by God (Matthew 5:6)

Our emotions keep us from seeing others they way God does!

Personal Interaction

Relationally: Blessed is the church whose people can say "I forgive you," for they in turn will be granted mercy. (Matthew 5:7)

Forgiveness released the other person from the penalty due them. Without forgiveness, one can never get past the situation.

Being willing to accept any blame
Being able to recount the event without getting angry
Being able to reward the offender with blessings
being willing to restore the relationship

Personal Interaction

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8)

Purity is to be spotless and without blemish.

Personal Interaction

Relationally: Blessed is the church who can genuinely say to each other "I love you" and "I trust you", for they will strengthen the unity of the Lord's Church ( Matthew 5:8)

The church is to have all things in common.

Personal Interaction

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9)

Peacemakers strive towards unity and harmony

Personal Interaction

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom on heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

Everyone has bad days.

A joy of a resolved conflict is only had by BOTH individuals doing the right thing.