Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew. It is here that we find the eight blessings known as the Beatitudes. Think of them as a roadmap to happiness. While the concepts are profound, they can be tricky for little ones to grasp. Kids need concrete examples to build those character-building associations.
These ideals are the building blocks of a good character. Therefore, it is important to teach them to children in a hands-on way. This allows them to form the necessary connections to make these lessons stick.
Below, you will find the eight Beatitudes with a kid-friendly explanation for each. We also included activities to help children understand how to apply these blessings to their everyday lives.
Key Takeaways
- The Beatitudes are eight blessings Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount to guide us toward a happy life.
- Children learn these complex principles best through simple terms and relatable examples.
- Hands-on activities include making apology cards, donating old toys, and practicing patience.
- Applying these lessons daily helps build a strong moral foundation for your child.
Tips for Teaching the Beatitudes
Before diving into the verses, it helps to set the stage for your kids. The word “Beatitude” comes from a Latin word meaning “blessed” or “happy.”
When teaching these concepts, keep the following in mind:
- Keep it simple: Use words they understand. Instead of “persecuted,” say “teased for doing the right thing.”
- Use role-play: Act out scenarios where they have to choose between being selfish or humble.
- Be patient: These are big concepts. It takes time for children (and adults) to master them.
The 8 Beatitudes Explained for Kids
1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
What It Means
When Jesus says “poor” here, He actually means “humble.” He wants us to be happy with what we have right now rather than wanting more. The goal is to avoid bragging or focusing too much on material items, like fancy toys or big houses. We recognize that everything we have is a gift from God.
Activity to Try
Make a gratitude list. Sit down with your child and list all the things you are thankful for that aren’t “things” (like family, sunshine, or health). You could also try to go a whole day without asking for anything you want, only asking for what you truly need.
2. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
What It Means
It is okay to be sad. Feelings are a good thing, and we cannot be happy every single moment. We might feel sad about a mistake we made or because we see someone else hurting. This Beatitude reminds us that God is there to comfort us when we are down, and our sadness won’t last forever.
Activity to Try
Think about a recent time you saw someone else feeling sad. Create a homemade card for that person. This helps them feel comforted and lets them know you are thinking about them.
3. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.”
What It Means
Being meek does not mean being weak. It means being gentle and patient. As the old saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” Patience is a virtue. We should try to wait patiently without creating a fuss. We work toward our goals without whining or complaining.
Activity to Try
Talk with your grown-up about something you have been wanting to do. Make that your goal. Ask what you can do to earn that privilege. Maybe it is cleaning your room every day for a week, or perhaps it is listening to directions without arguing.
4. “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”
What It Means
Jesus wasn’t talking about a growling tummy here. He was talking about people who want to fix unfair things in their community. These unfair things are called injustices. Bullying and poverty are examples of injustices. Jesus wants us to know that if we put in the effort to make things right, He will help us.
Activity to Try
Go through your old toys or clothes. Donate gently used items to a local foster care organization or a shelter. Alternatively, save some allowance money to donate cleaning supplies to charities that help people affected by storms.
5. “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
What It Means
God wants us to forgive others and not hold grudges. This concept is simple to understand but difficult to do. We might be upset with our friends or family, but we should not stay mad forever. When we forgive others, Jesus forgives us.
Activity to Try
When someone says “I’m sorry” or apologizes to you, listen to their words and try to forgive them. It might take time, but you can do it. Sometimes it helps to draw a picture of what made you angry. Then, crumple it up and throw it in the trash to symbolize letting it go.
6. “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
What It Means
Children are great at listening to God. Being “clean of heart” means being honest, kind, and trying to do the right thing even when no one is watching. It means keeping your thoughts positive and staying true to that pure heart you were born with.
Activity to Try
Find time each day to pray or reflect. If you are old enough to write, keep a prayer journal. If you aren’t quite a reader yet, draw your prayers and keep a journal of the pictures.
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
What It Means
God does not expect us to be quiet all the time. He isn’t talking about that kind of peace. He wants us to be at peace with others. This means we avoid fighting, arguing, or hurting people’s feelings intentionally. Jesus is the ultimate peacemaker, and we should try to be like Him.
Activity to Try
Try to go all day without fighting with your brother or sister. If you are up for a challenge, be helpful around the house to keep the peace. Simple things like cleaning up after yourself make a big difference.
8. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
What It Means
This one sounds scary, but it just means we should be strong in our love for God. Sometimes, people who don’t understand your faith might question you. Mean people might even make jokes. Remember that you are making Jesus proud by standing up for what you believe in. Mean words are just words; they cannot hurt your spirit.
Activity to Try
When you go to church or a community event, look around at the other children. Try to introduce yourself to one new friend. Remember that everyone you meet is a child of God, just like you.
FAQs
What is a simple definition of the Beatitudes?
The Beatitudes are a list of eight blessings that Jesus shared during the Sermon on the Mount. They are rules or guides that teach us how to live a happy, humble, and peaceful life.
Where are the Beatitudes found in the Bible?
You can find the Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in chapter 5, verses 3 through 10. This is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Why is it important to teach Beatitudes to kids?
Teaching the Beatitudes helps children build a strong moral foundation. It encourages empathy, kindness, patience, and forgiveness. These virtues help them navigate friendships and difficult emotions as they grow up.
In Conclusion
The Beatitudes offer a beautiful framework for living a good life, but they can be a lot for a child to digest all at once. Take it slow. Focus on one Beatitude a week (or even a month).Use the activities above to make these lessons real. Most importantly, model these behaviors yourself. When your kids see you practicing patience or forgiveness, they will naturally want to follow in your footsteps.
