Building Relationships through the Beatitudes (Book excerpt: C)

4 Basic Relationships

In looking at the Beatitudes, we must explore it in conjunction with the four basic human relationships: God, others, nature/technology, oneself. We have no choice about whether we address these relationships or not. They are endemic to life. These basic relationships are entwined no matter what we may want.  

It is difficult to state which is the primary relationship. Of course, we would tend to say “God”. The Westminster Catechism states that “the chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” This is not just for today, but for all eternity. Obviously,

without God, we are nothing. But if our relationship to self is deeply flawed, it is almost impossible for us to even begin to view God. And we are not just spiritual entities. We have bodies which live in the world of nature and technology….and within a social context. The Beatitudes teach man how to be successful in ALL relationships. Even those who do not espouse Christianity, must still work through these 8 Steps to begin to reach wholeness. They are part of the human condition.

Psychological Archetypes

The psychology archetypes are the building blocks of the soul. They are the image of God buried deep within each of us. The Beatitudes resonate with us because they reflect these archetypes. It is one of the main reasons why the statements are so meaningful.




Following is an overview of the areas which are expanded on in our book: Eight Steps to Emotional, Relational, Spiritual Wholeness: The Healing Power of the Beatitudes

The Beatitudes

Each “blessed” is part of a relationship, an attitude.

Matthew 5:3-10New International Version (NIV)

³ “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…. Facing your failures
⁴ Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted…. Facing your pain, shame, unclaimed

     baggage, your hollowness within;

     the shadow of your life;

⁵ Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth…... The humble [free from pride], the patient,

     the adaptable, the gentle, those who understand forgiveness and what it means to         be forgiven;

⁶ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled….. Want to do and be what is right so badly they can taste it, the

     law of self-fulfilling prophecy, you reap what you sow
⁷ Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy…. Others shall treat you as you treat them, remember                   the law of love
⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God…. Honest, realistic, sincere, focused, single-minded, impurities  

      gone, facing and dealing with the shadow part of your life, so that only “quality” is

      left
⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God….. Make, maintain, and live in peace; to learn

     to deal wisely with life

¹⁰ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…. insult you, lie about you, and abuse you for

     your loyalty to God’s way of life