Dazze

a) Their is the common idea that God can be satisfied with our own efforts to be good. This was the prevailing thinking then, just as it is now. The fundamental point of Christianity is that we cannot satisfy God through our own efforts, but only through Jesus who "leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." (Ps 23:3) There is mourning over the loss of relationship with God. I think most people feel this loss even if they don't know what it is and seek all kinds of remedies through spiritual experiences, charitable works, drugs, hedonism,etc. More important is the realisation and mourning of the sin that has caused the separation and that it was our fault we were separated. c) "..who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done..." That is, the evil and injustice in the world. But also, that so many people are in the state we were in before we were saved - disconnected and separate from God and His loving comfort.

The first part of each Beatitude can been seen as a weakness from worldly perspective, as each requires the person to be in some attitude of submission. The second part is from God's perspective, each position puts the person in a place were they able to recognise their dependence on God and God, in love, can impart blessing on them by giving them what they need. Paradox highlights the difference between our perspective and God's perspective. The contrast is attractive. We can see where we are at and where God wants to take us. The fruits are very similar to the rewards of the Beatitudes. The fruits are similarly listed as the available results of a Spirit filled life.