
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:3
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit?” Poor speaks of a spiritual state, a state of mind, or a disposition. This is a person who has become a beggar in regards to the things of the Spirit, his desire is to fulfill this need. The contrast is the person who believes they have sufficient resources for the day. We are to recognize our desperate need for the forgiveness of Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily life.
How does one become poor in spirit? You must acknowledge and accept your spiritual bankruptcy before God and dependence upon Him. Think through ways in which you are practically dependent upon God, or how you have been forced to be dependent upon God. How can you have that attitude towards all areas of life?