1. “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Matt. 5:3)
- Fruit: agape – Humility [good-will] (implicit in Love)
- The poor in spirit recognize their need for God, which is the seedbed for love (the first fruit).
- Cross-ref: John 15:5; 1 Cor. 13:4 (“love is not proud”).
2. “Blessed are those who mourn” (Matt. 5:4)
- Fruit: Joy
- Paradox: through mourning over sin and brokenness, the Spirit produces joy that the world cannot take away.
- Cross-ref: Psalm 30:5; 2 Cor. 6:10.
3. “Blessed are the meek” (Matt. 5:5)
- Fruit: Gentleness
- Meekness is power under control, aligning perfectly with gentleness.
- Cross-ref: Gal. 6:1; Matt. 11:29.
4. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (Matt. 5:6)
- Fruit: Faithfulness
- A Spirit-born craving for righteousness results in loyalty to God’s ways.
- Cross-ref: Psalm 42:1–2; Matt. 6:33.
5. “Blessed are the merciful” (Matt. 5:7)
- Fruit: Kindness
- Mercy flows as tangible acts of kindness to those in need.
- Cross-ref: Luke 6:36; Eph. 4:32.
6. “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8)
- Fruit: Goodness
- Purity of heart overflows in moral and spiritual goodness, reflecting God’s character.
- Cross-ref: 1 Tim. 1:5; Eph. 5:9.
7. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9)
- Fruit: Peace
- Peacemakers embody and extend the Spirit’s gift of peace.
- Cross-ref: Rom. 12:18; James 3:18.
8. “Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matt. 5:10)
- Fruit: Patience
- Enduring persecution requires Spirit-empowered patience/longsuffering.
- Cross-ref: James 1:2–4; 2 Thess. 1:4.
9. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me” (Matt. 5:11–12)
- Fruit: Self-control
- Responding to insult and false accusation without retaliation demonstrates self-control.
- Cross-ref: 1 Pet. 2:23; Prov. 25:28.
Putting it Together:
- Beatitudes = Kingdom Posture (what kind of people belong to Jesus).
- Fruit of the Spirit = Kingdom Product (what kind of life the Spirit produces in them).
So, the Beatitudes are the soil conditions, and the Fruit of the Spirit is the harvest.
