Poor in Spirit & Humble in Spirit Meaning

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In the NIV Bible, the most famous mention of being "poor in spirit" comes from Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount.

Key Verses (NIV)

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

2.  Isaiah 66:2 - "These are the ones I look on with favor - those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word."

3.  Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

4.  Proverbs 16:1 - "Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud."

What does it mean to be "Poor in Spirit"?

When we hear the word "poor," we usually think of someone who doesn't have much money or many toys. But Jesus wasn’t talking about money! Being "poor in spirit" is about how we feel in our hearts toward God.

1. It means having an "Empty Cup" heart.

Imagine we have a cup. If the cup is already filled to the top with rocks and dirt, we can’t put any yummy juice in it. Some people have hearts filled with "I can do it myself!" or "I’m the best!" Their hearts are full of pride. 

Being "poor in spirit" means coming to God with an empty cup and saying, "God, I can’t be good or kind on my own. I need you to fill me up with Your love."

2. It means being a "Hand-Holder."

Have you ever been in a big, crowded place and felt a little bit lost? What is the first thing you do? You reach up and grab your mom or dad or spouse’s hand because you know you need their help. 

Being "poor in spirit" is like reaching up for God’s hand. It’s saying, "God, I’m not big enough or smart enough to do this life without You. Please hold my hand."

3. It’s the opposite of Bragging.

A person who is "poor in spirit" doesn’t brag about how good they are. Instead, they realize that every good thing they have - like their kindness, their talents, and their life - is a gift from God. They are humble.

Why is it a good thing?

Jesus said that people who are poor in spirit are blessed. That’s a big word that means "truly happy." He promised them the Kingdom of Heaven. 

When we realize we need God, He comes to live in our hearts and makes us part of His royal family!

In summary, being "poor in spirit" means knowing that we need God more than anything else. It’s having a heart that says, "I need You, God," instead of "I’ve got this!" When we admit we need Him, God fills our hearts with His amazing love.

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