We are currently studying the Sermon on the Mount.  For the past few weeks we have been looking at the Beatitudes.  What we see is that Jesus was explaining the character of a true believer.  Although none of us possess those traits to the full extent, we should be striving to exemplify them more and more in our lives.  These traits are ultimately not the product of our own effort, but of the saving grace of Jesus.  When He saves us, He changes us.  The more we delve deeply into His grace, the more we will see these traits becoming a reality in our lives.