B is for Beattitudes

Start B-week by teaching your children about the letter B. Have them work on writing the letter or draw a large B on a sheet of paper and help your child trace it (if you have a very young child, you can guide your child's finger to trace the letter). Then, work on the sound the letter B makes and see if you can come up with some words that start with B.

Remind them that the Bible actually starts with a B. Talk about the Bible as God's love letter to us. In it, we find the way to live, we find the way to comfort, and we find the way to love and begin to know God better. What is your favorite Bible story? Tell it to each other. Then, introduce the scripture for the week (The Beattitudes):

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven."

Matthew 5:3-12

Read the Scripture aloud with your children and discuss what it means. This Scripture has a lot of good qualities to work on, and it reminds us that God is there even in our suffering. What does it mean to be meek or merciful? Can you think of a time when you were insulted or when you insulted someone else? Then, discuss ways you can live as Jesus described. What are some ways to work on being a peacemaker this week?