Cleanliness is next to Godliness ~ The Eight Beatitudes

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS ~ The Eight Beatitudes

By Eileen Renders                             October 20, 2023

   Although the phrase “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is not actually found in the bible, it does lead us to the Beatitudes. Let us once again take a look at the Beatitudes and consider what is most satisfying to God.

1.    Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2.    Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

3.    Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

4.    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

5.    Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

6.    Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

7.    Blessed are the peacemakers, who shall be called sons of God.

8.    Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

   The Beatitudes are found in the Bible in Matthew, fifth chapter. These are blessings given to His people as a reward for having special quality characteristics.

   Number 1 ~ Poor in spirit describes a sinful nature that lacks the level of moral virtue that is pleasing to God. Poor in spirit also describes one with a deep form of repentance and a longing for God’s help in overcoming sin.

   Number 2 ~This beatitude “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” is directed toward those who deeply mourn their sins because they clearly see how they have hurt God. Because of this deep repentance, God assures us that He will provide comfort.

   Number 3 ~ Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. The Catholic definition describes the meek as those who are humble, considerate, and gentle. These people show their meekness in the way they work for the benefit of others, never attempting to overpower, or oppress, qualities Jesus Himself was known for.

   Number 4 ~  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. In this beatitude, it is declared by God that those who thirst for righteousness are aware of their sinfulness, and weaknesses, and truly cry out to God for help. Therefore, God hears those cries and recognizes the sincerity, and will provide the strength to overcome sin.

   Number 5 ~ Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. This beatitude clearly states that those who give love and mercy to those who have hurt them will also be provided love and forgiveness from God Himself.

   Number ~ 6 ~ Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Here again, this beatitude clearly sends a message to us. Whenever I think of purity or innocence, I visualize small children who are without sin and have a pure heart. We are all asked to strive for this state in our daily lives.

   Number ~ 7 ~ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

We easily understand what a peacemaker is, he is one who avoids fighting, and he is always ready to accept an apology, to forgive. To readily attempt to calm a volatile situation, to intervene, to offer an apology, to do whatever it takes to avoid physical confrontation. He is acting as God has done when He walked the earth.

   Number  8 ~ blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. According to Catholicism, this beatitude means; “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” When we suffer for Christ, rather than deny Him, we are in fact, willing to become a martyr.