The Beatitudes – 3 Nephi 12:3-12

The Beatitudes all have something in common: they comment on qualities which the world considers to be signs of weakness. Whether in the competitive workplace, on the school playground, or on TV talk shows, these qualities are not valued. The Lord takes these qualities which from a worldly perspective appear to be signs of weakness and shows how they are actually signs of strength.
The final one is particularly dramatic: “Blessed are ye when men shall revile you.” How can that be, and how can He promise that we will have great joy? Because it puts us in the company of the great prophets, many of whom suffered great persecution for their testimonies. And as Joseph Smith taught, it also puts us in the company of the Savior himself, who suffered more than we can comprehend for this work (D&C 122:5-8). If we adopt the attitude that we want to endure persecution and suffering well in order to be worthy of the companionship of such great people, then we will, like Peter and John, be able to rejoice when we are “counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” (Acts 5:41)
Today, when I experience weakness, I will look at the situation through the eyes of the Savior. I will recognize that meekness, mourning, peacemaking, purity, and even enduring persecution are signs of inner spiritual strength and will bring me blessings.