First Beatitude - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

In the next few blog posts, I will be exploring the beatitudes listed in Matthew 5:3-12.  The word "beatitude" is defined as "supreme blessedness or happiness."  In this passage, "beatitude" refers to a declaration of blessedness that was made by Christ Jesus.  Each beatitude begins with the word "blessed" which means happy, fortunate, and blissful.  These emotions do not come from earthly pleasures, however, but from an inner well being that results from being faithful to God's Word.  As such, it is not temporary or taken away, for God freely bestows it on all who continue in His ways.

The first beatitude deals with "the poor in spirit."  This describes someone who is acutely aware of his own spiritual depravity.  He recognizes that he is hopelessly lost without the grace of God and is therefore humble before Him.  Those that realize their desperate need for God's grace because of their spiritual poverty and humbly seek for God's forgiveness, He shall bestow upon them salvation and eternal life in His kingdom.

Matthew 5:10

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."