Final answer:
The seventh Beatitude praises peacemakers as children of God, while the eighth Beatitude promises the kingdom of heaven to those persecuted for righteousness. Together, they encourage peace-building and moral courage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seventh and eighth Beatitudes are part of the teachings of Jesus, which are known as the Sermon on the Mount, found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. These Beatitudes outline a pattern of virtues and blessings that reflect the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Seventh Beatitude
The seventh Beatitude is 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.' This Beatitude extols the virtue of peacemaking and implies that those who seek and promote peace will be recognized as the followers and children of God. The notion is that peacemakers not only live in harmony with others but also actively work to reconcile differences and build bridges between conflicting parties.
Eighth Beatitude
The eighth Beatitude is 'Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' This teaching promises divine blessing to those who face persecution because of their commitment to justice, righteousness, and the values of the Kingdom of Heaven. It acknowledges the suffering endured by those who stand up for what is right and offers them the ultimate reward of the kingdom of heaven.
Ultimately, these Beatitudes encourage moral behaviour, peace-building, and perseverance in the face of hardship, aligning with the Christian pursuit of a virtuous and devoted life.