Pride, deeply ingrained in us due to exposure to satan and this world, stands as a formidable barrier to living by faith. It fosters a self-sufficient arrogance that asserts personal perspective over divine guidance, resisting submission to God. This self-reliance is the opposite of the spiritual poverty that recognizes utter dependence on God for every breath and every good thing. In contrast, humility, which does not come naturally, must be deliberately cultivated. It emerges from a genuine self-evaluation where one sees himself as nothing in comparison to God's supreme qualities. This poverty of spirit acknowledges a complete inability to attain godliness without divine aid, viewing oneself as destitute of spiritual virtue and power apart from God's Holy Spirit. Humility is not a denial of power but a controlled use of it for a greater good, promoting good relationships by neutralizing the damage pride can cause. It is the attitude of being poor in spirit, a fundamental necessity for a proper relationship with God, as it reflects a true understanding of one's place before Him. This realization of dependence, both physically and spiritually, is essential for overcoming the world through faith, drawing strength from Jesus Christ, who Himself exemplified perfect dependence on the Father despite His great gifting. God responds favorably to true humility, valuing it highly as it glorifies Him through the way one lives. It is a key to obedience and growth in His way of life, attracting His attention and bringing rewards. Humility paves the way for a good relationship with God through acts of righteousness, kindness, and conscious fellowship with His greatness, rather than through self-serving motives or material offerings. God's promises to the humble include forgiveness, answered prayers, and blessings of wisdom, riches, and honor, as seen in His response to those who seek to honor Him with pure motives.

Pride, deeply ingrained in human nature due to influences from Satan and the world, fosters a sense of self-sufficiency that hinders a proper relationship with God. This self-sufficiency manifests as an attitude of independence, where individuals believe they do not need God or Jesus Christ, focusing instead on achieving physical greatness rather than spiritual growth. Such a mindset prioritizes personal goals over becoming like God, ignoring the spiritual dependence essential for a true connection with Him. In contrast, humility reveals a clear recognition of one's complete dependence on God, both physically and spiritually. A humble person understands their poverty of spirit, acknowledging their lack of virtues valuable for eternal life and their inability to become like God without His help. This honest self-evaluation, comparing oneself to God's holiness and Jesus Christ's righteousness, exposes personal flaws and limitations, driving the individual to seek God's intervention to transform their character. Humility, therefore, is not a sign of weakness but a deliberate choice to submit to God's will, recognizing that every breath and spiritual strength comes from Him. This attitude counters the self-sufficient pride that resists God, paving the way for a relationship built on dependence and submission to His purpose and plan.

Jesus Christ, in His profound teachings within the Sermon on the Mount, introduces the concept of being poor in spirit as a fundamental quality for those who seek to be part of His Kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, He declares, emphasizing a spiritual state over material condition. This poverty of spirit is not about economic lack but a deep recognition of one's spiritual neediness, a realization that one is destitute of the resources to improve their spiritual lot without divine assistance. Being poor in spirit transcends economic status, as it is a quality that can be present in both the wealthy and the destitute. It involves a profound awareness of one's helplessness in spiritual matters, akin to the economic poor's awareness of their material needs. This state is not naturally produced in man but is a work of God's Holy Spirit in those He calls and converts, enabling even the materially blessed to embody this humility. This spiritual poverty is the opposite of self-exaltation and self-sufficiency, contrary to the haughty disposition the world often admires. A person poor in spirit acknowledges that they are nothing, have nothing, can do nothing, and need everything from God. As Jesus teaches, without Him, one can do nothing, highlighting the total dependence on divine strength and mercy. Thus, to be poor in spirit is to recognize one's utter reliance on God, to cry out for His mercy, and to seek His provision for spiritual enrichment. It is an attitude that paves the way for transformation, aligning one with the standards of God's Kingdom and opening the path to His blessings, both in the present and in the fullness of time to come.