What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?”
It is a relevant question in an age where spirituality is measured by the material blessings one has.
“Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Timothy 6:5,
According to Jesus in Matthew 5:3 the poor in spirit are blessed, for they shall see God.
The person who is poor or possesses nothing is well off because the realm of God’s abode in the heavenly kingdom belongs to them.
Blessed, makarios in the Greek means to be well off and poor ptōchos is to be like a
beggar without means.
A beggar is one who solicites from some one of a superior status for relief.
Why is it that the poor are acknowledged as being blessed while the rich have a difficult time entering into God’s kingdom?
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Mark 10:25
If we examine the rich man and the beggar Lazarus parable, we can see that the rich man even though he had a lot of provision he tossed only his crumbs at the beggar Lazarus.
The rich man could have easily helped Lazarus and met his needs but he did not.
When both died, the rich man went to hell and Lazarus went to paradise.
Like the rich man in this parable many of the rich of this world throw only their crumbs at the poor. Giving them just barely sustenance while they live in luxury.
To be rich does not always equate to generosity. In fact sometimes just the opposite.
To be poor in spirit is to be dependent on God, not on man. When one is poor or dependent on God for provision then one is truly blessed.
It is like having your Father be the owner of an enterprising business rather than being at the mercy of a manager for a pay check.
The poor person who loves Jesus will always see God’s hand of provision in their life. God promises to take care of all his children.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
To be poor in spirit is to be rich in faith. Blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places.
Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5
The widow’s mite is important to the Lord. Not only do blessings come to the sacrificial giver but because the poor are the most generous it seems that through them the gospel is advanced into all the world!
Consider that when you think your widow’s mite is of no significance!
And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. Luke 21:1-4
To be poor in spirit is to be blessed with seeing God manifest his provision in your life!
I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. Psalm 140:12
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