Matthew 5:7-17

7 Those who show mercy to others are happy, because God will show mercy to them.

8 Those who are pure in their thinking are happy, because they will be with God.

9 Those who work to bring peace are happy, because God will call them his children.

10 Those who are treated badly for doing good are happy, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

11 "People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do, you will be happy.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because you have a great reward waiting for you in heaven. People did the same evil things to the prophets who lived before you.

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.

14 "You are the light that gives light to the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 And people don't hide a light under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand so the light shines for all the people in the house.

16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and will praise your Father in heaven.

17 "Don't think that I have come to destroy the law of Moses or the teaching of the prophets. I have not come to destroy them but to bring about what they said.