Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:3).
The beauty of the first beatitude is that it doesn’t say that the poor in spirit will eventually have the kingdom of heaven, but that they have it already. The poor in spirit are those who recognize their own desperation; their inability to sustain themselves, not in a material sense, but spiritually. What good is it to know we’re hopeless when left to our own devices, if there’s no one outside of ourselves in whom we can place our hope and trust? The blessed life begins when we recognize our spiritual poverty. The order of the beatitudes isn’t random— humbling ourselves before the Lord is a prerequisite for everything else.
- Why do we struggle to recognize our weaknesses?
- What weaknesses seem more acceptable to admit than others?
- What is it about our human nature that makes us want to do everything for ourselves?
Pray Scripture
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5).
Sovereign Lord, you are our life support. As we trust in you more, we bear fruit that reflects your goodness. We can do nothing and have nothing without you! Forgive us when we get caught up in what we think we can accomplish.
