Poor People: Have Heart

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10 (NASB)

In considering the Beatitudes, are they God’s love letters to poor people?*

  • People whose lives aren’t focused on themselves!

  • People not into materialism!

  • Contrite, mourning, humble, honest people!

  • Merciful, peaceful, pure-hearted people!

  • People who do (or will) suffer for Christ!

  • NOTE: Poor people, as in people blessed by God, don’t simply refer to those lacking wealth. The “poor” may include those who don’t love it!

This commentary on Matthew 5:3 gives an exemplary explanation:

“Those who are sensible of their spiritual poverty, of their ignorance and sinfulness, their guilt, depravity, and weakness, their frailty and mortality; and who, therefore, whatever their outward situation in life may be, however affluent and exalted, think meanly of themselves, and neither desire the praise of men, nor covet high things in the world, but are content with the lot God assigns them, however low and poor. These are happy, because their humility renders them teachable, submissive, resigned, patient, contented, and cheerful in all estates; and it enables them to receive prosperity or adversity, health or sickness, ease or pain, life or death, with an equal mind” (Benson Bible Commentary on Matthew 5:3).*

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Consider “poor people”(‘s) definition as meaning, THE CONDITION OF THE HEART: hearts softened where God’s Word can grow freely, and hearts beating for the needs of others.

This heart is YOUR heart. Therefore, 'Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.' (Matthew 5:12).

Poor People: Have Heart (Part 7)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* Bible Commentaries on Matthew 5:3: http://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/5-3.htm

* Short article on a contrite spirit: http://www.gotquestions.org/contrite-contrition.html

Carey Arban