Matthew 5:1-16

When Jesus saw the crowds following him he went up a mountain. There he sat down together with his disciples. He began teaching them, saying: “Blessed are those who recognize they are spiritually poor, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are those who are kind for they will own the whole world. Blessed are those whose greatest desire is to do what is right, for they will be satisfied. Blessed are those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are those who have pure minds, for they will see God. Blessed are those who work to bring peace, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those persecuted for what is right, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and accuse you of all kinds of evil things because of me. Be glad, be really glad, for you will receive a great reward in heaven—for they persecuted the prophets who came before you in just the same way. You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt becomes tasteless, how can you make it salty again? It's good for nothing, so it's thrown out and trodden down. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill can't be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a bucket. No, it's placed on a lamp-stand and it provides light to everyone in the house. In the same way you should let your light shine before everyone so they can see the good things you do and praise your heavenly Father.