Over the next few days, we will be talking about the eight character traits known as “The Beatitudes”. This was the introduction to Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and really identify God’s heart for us. Jesus repeats the term “Blessed are…” eight times consecutively, which stresses the importance of adopting these character traits to find fulfillment in Christ. Along with the blessing of possessing each character trait, comes a promise. Today’s promise is that the kingdom of heaven will be ours if we are poor in spirit. But what exactly does this mean? Why is “poor in spirit” something that God wants us to be?

To be poor in spirit is to understand our great need for Christ. It is admitting that, because of sin, we are completely poor spiritually and do not have the ability to save ourselves from our desperate situation. It is accepting the fact that no one can come to the Father except through Jesus (John 14:6).  In today’s passage, Jesus wants us to understand that no matter our status in life, we all have a void that can only be filled by Him.

Once we recognize and admit our spiritual poverty and need for Christ, God offers us salvation (the kingdom of heaven) as a gift, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His sacrifice provided full payment for our sins. There is nothing we could ever do to make ourselves worthy of this. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The reality of Jesus’s love for us leaves me in awe! The fact that this amazing and incomparable gift of Salvation is free and available to anyone is beyond my human comprehension. Unfortunately, there are some who allow their pride and self-sufficiency get in the way of experiencing this gift for themselves. My friend, it takes courage to admit that we need God, but when we do, the peace, joy, and fulfillment we receive is like nothing else we have experienced. Don’t wait to accept this incomparable gift.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, your unconditional love never fails to amaze me. To think that Jesus gave His life so that I could be free from the penalty of sin is a gift beyond my understanding. I admit my great need for you and realize that there is nothing I can do to deserve heaven on my own. Thank you for inviting me into Your family. Thank you for the great blessing and privilege of living life with you. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, I know I will spend eternity with You. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, Amen.  

1. Matthew 5:3 (NIV).

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.