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

Today when we hear that someone is blessed, we often think of a comfortable lifestyle, good health, and a successful job. But Jesus said that those who are poor in spirit are blessed.   The New Testament word for poor refers to a beggar who is totally dependent on others for survival. Therefore, to be poor in spirit is to be totally dependent on another for spiritual well-being.

To be poor in spirit is to be totally dependent on another for spiritual well-being. Click To Tweet

If we turn this around, we realize that the cursed are those who are rich in self-sufficiency. When we can take care of ourselves and control our situations, we’re living in a different kingdom, not the kingdom of heaven.

When God puts you in a situation that you have no power to fix, He’s doing you a favor because He’s making a way for His kingdom to come in. If you find yourself in this place, you’ll know you’re poor in spirit when thanksgiving replaces your complaining.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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