Blessed are the poor in spirit

The first of Jesus' beatitudes has to do with a humble spirit and the rewards that come for those who have this attitude. "Blessed are the poor in spirit" has been an important message for Christians throughout all ages. 

The Sermon on the Mount, which was given by Jesus Christ, is one of the longest and most significant records of his teaching in the Bible. This fundamental message begins with a series of traits or ways of thinking called Beatitudes, which, when practiced, produce joy and peace of mind.

The first is a deep and meaningful statement that translates into 14 simple Spanish words:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5: 3).

Blessed are the poor in spirit

It is no coincidence that the first of the beatitudes is that of being poor in spirit. This is a necessary characteristic for a Christian — an essential requirement for following God's way of life. With a humble spirit it is possible to develop the rest of the characteristics that Jesus raises and learn more about the way of God.

The Greek word for "poor" is ptochos , which is used to describe someone who is physically "devoid of wealth, influence, position, honor," reduced to begging, and who has no power to help himself or improve his position (Thayer's Greek Dictionary). This is the word used for Lazarus, the beggar in the well-known parable (Luke 16: 20-22) and also for the widow who gave her two targets to the treasure in the temple (Mark 12: 41-44).   

When used in the spiritual sense, as in this Bliss, it refers to someone who is humble enough to recognize his insignificance compared to God, who has awesome power, and someone who is willing to submit to that power. You don't have to be physically poor to be poor in spirit, although the wealthy may have more difficulties (Matthew 19:23; James 1: 9-11).

Compared to God, we are nothing. The poor in spirit do not compare with others (2 Corinthians 10:12). After seeing how insignificant one is compared to God, it is impossible not to feel humiliated (Psalms 39: 4-7). After God allowed Job to glimpse his greatness through creation, Job said: “I had heard you by hearsay; But now my eyes see you. Therefore I hate myself, and I repent in dust and ashes ”(Job 42: 5-6).

There are many reasons why God asks us for this profound humility. The humble desire and allow to be taught (Psalm 25: 9) and repent (Psalm 34:18; 51:17). They acknowledge that they depend on God and His greatness (Psalm 69: 29-36; Isaiah 66: 1-2). 

Because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

To the poor in spirit an incredible promise is made: they will inherit the Kingdom of God! (Matthew uses the terms Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven interchangeably.) This is a promise that is woven through the Bible in various ways for those who are humble and poor in spirit.   

"For thus said the High and Sublime, the one who inhabits eternity, and whose name is the Holy: I dwell in height and holiness, and with the broken and humble of spirit, to live the spirit of the humble, and to quicken the hearts of the broken ”(Isaiah 57:15).

This is something that our predecessor Jesus Christ has already demonstrated. When he lived on earth, Jesus humbled himself totally (Philippians 2: 5-8). The Son of God was willing to live as a humble human being and to suffer an ignominious death. However, after his resurrection, God brought him to a position of incredible glory at the right hand of God's throne over all creation (vv. 9-11).

And God is forming humble Christians, heirs of the Kingdom with his Son (James 2: 5; Romans 8:17)!

The way of man

Humility is not easy or natural. Most people don't even try to be humble. For many, the proud and independent are the ones who seem to be the most successful. Humility and dependence on God are seen as weaknesses. This pride impedes the true repentance and humility that God so desires (James 4: 8-10).

Pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16: 18-19). Contrary to what most people imagine, the humble will be honored when the proud are brought down (Proverbs 29:23). It is not something that happens immediately, but the humble will be exalted "when it is time" (1 Peter 5: 5-6).

What it is to be poor in spirit

To be poor in spirit, it is vital to know what it means to be. Here are three things that indicate that someone is poor in spirit and therefore heir to the Kingdom.

1. Obedience.

Without obedience, God and his way of life are but information — and one that is quickly forgotten. The only way that God's way of life becomes more than information is when it is obeyed (Deuteronomy 8: 11-17). This obedience cannot be partial, it must be complete and includes the entire Word of God (Matthew 4: 4).

2. Do not feel above others.

A key aspect of humility is our relationships with others. A Christian's behavior towards others should reflect a spirit that does not strive for the best for itself (Luke 14: 8-11). A Christian should do nothing out of "strife or vainglory; rather with humility, each one esteeming the others as superior to himself ”(Philippians 2: 3).

3. Repentance.

You need to be poor in spirit to truly repent - to recognize sin in your own life and change. A repentant spirit is evidence of a poor and contrite spirit (Luke 18: 9-14). See sin in one's life is a sign of humility and makes a difference more big between sinful man and a righteous God.

This sets the stage for the second of the Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who mourn" (Matthew 5: 4).

The poor in spirit are those who are humble enough to recognize the greatness of God and depend on Him. God will only grant the inheritance of His eternal Kingdom to those who have this humble attitude.