I love the Beatitudes.

They illustrate beautiful qualities of character — the kind of person you want to be around.

They exemplify the perfect friend.

• Humility — there is no quality more amazing to me than humility. It is beautiful, graceful & gracious.
• Comforting — we’ve all had times when we’ve been down and turned to a friend for comfort. It’s a wonderful feeling. And to be able to give comfort when someone else is down gives a sense of satisfaction.
• Selfless & generous — someone who can share and isn’t greedy.
• Appreciates good activities (and good clean fun!)
• Satisfaction in right-doing — does the right thing, even if it’s not popular (even if you don’t want to).
• Forgiving — doesn’t focus on the past or hold a grudge.
• Genuine — honest, authentic (not fake).
• Peace-loving (instead of drama-loving) — looks for the best in you and others (doesn’t get in to gossip).
• Loyal, faithful & devoted — to his/her beliefs as well as to your friendship.
• Confident & courageous — stands up for what is right; sticks up for beliefs as well as friends.

See what I mean? It’s a perfect model for friendship (or business partner or neighbor). Christ Jesus exemplified this and showed us we can, too — that it is right and normal. He wouldn’t have said it if we couldn’t be it!

Enjoy giving & expressing these qualities today. You’ll be thanked for it!