Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. This quality, as taught by Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, speaks to a profound spiritual state rather than economic condition. To be poor in spirit is to recognize one's utter helplessness and dependence on God, akin to a beggar who crouches in abject poverty, destitute of even the necessities of life. It is an awareness of spiritual need that transcends material wealth or poverty, spanning the entire spectrum of human circumstances. This poverty of spirit is not a natural trait but a work of God's Holy Spirit in those He calls and converts. Even the wealthiest, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, or Joseph of Arimathea, can embody this quality, perceiving themselves as destitute of spiritual resources and beyond the help of men. As David cried out in his need, so must we acknowledge our spiritual desolation and seek what only God can supply. Being poor in spirit contrasts sharply with self-exaltation and self-sufficiency. It opposes the haughty disposition that the world admires, the defiant attitude that refuses to bow to God. Instead, it is the realization that we are nothing, have nothing, can do nothing, and need everything from Him. Those who embody this quality gain God's approval and are blessed with the promise of the Kingdom, both in the present reality and the future fulfillment.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This fundamental attitude is vital for a Christian who truly desires to inherit the Kingdom of God. To be poor in spirit, as Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 5:3, means to recognize one's absolute spiritual destitution, having no spiritual resources of one's own and being completely dependent on God for spiritual sustenance. It is not about physical poverty, but a spiritual state where one understands their total need for God, regardless of material wealth. This concept of being poor in spirit is rooted in the Old Testament, evident in passages like Isaiah 66:2, where God declares that He looks upon the one who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at His Word. Such a person is rare and catches God's attention through their profound humility. The Hebrew term "aniy" for poor suggests a needy individual lacking resources, aligning closely with the spiritual poverty Jesus describes. Similarly, in Isaiah 57:15, God dwells with those who have a contrite and humble spirit, reviving and preserving the lowly while remaining at odds with the wicked who are restless and discontent, casting up mire and dirt in their turmoil. In Psalm 34:18, the Lord is near to those with a broken heart and saves those with a contrite spirit, illustrating a relationship where the righteous acknowledge their inferiority and neediness before God. This brokenness severs self-centered attitudes at the root, redirecting loyalty from a deceitful heart to Jesus Christ, who becomes the center of their existence. Those with a crushed spirit, pounded by life's experiences, live in an attitude of unworthiness while offering continuous praise to Christ for their rescue. Ultimately, being poor in spirit is a facet of humility, recognizing that we have no spiritual good to offer God and are entirely deficient and needy. It is the conviction that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father, and He receives all glory for whatever good we may produce. Our salvation comes completely through God's grace, and our lives are His to command. As Jesus Christ exemplifies this lowly attitude, those who embody it will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven as promised in the beatitude.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth, as Jesus declares in His foundational teaching. The world's ideal of the perfect man starkly contrasts with His, favoring the strong and fiercely competitive, yet He pronounces the meek as favored to share in His inheritance of the earth. This beatitude, though seemingly contradictory to everyday life, holds profound meaning when taken at His Word, promising peace and contentment in trials. Meekness, a fruit of the Spirit, is an attribute of God Almighty Himself, essential to being in His image and a true witness. It is neither weakness nor mere humility, but a complex virtue involving a correct assessment of personal rights without lowering standards of justice. A meek person directs warfare against the evil in his own heart first, maintaining a forgiving spirit despite personal wrongs. This virtue manifests in gentleness and patience, as seen in Jesus, who governs with reasonable laws, neither harsh nor oppressive. Meekness is vital for unity, enabling one to bear offenses without retaliation, promoting peace in social contexts. It does not condone sin but tempers judgment with understanding, avoiding harsh reactions. Even in conflict, meekness proves powerful, as exemplified by Paul, who, though appearing weak, was prepared to fight destructive evil with spiritual strength while focusing on the Father, Jesus Christ, and the gospel. A meek person ceases to prioritize personal comfort or gain, viewing everything from God's perspective and serving His purpose. Meekness does not mean passivity; it can be stern against evil, as shown by Moses, who ordered the execution of idolaters, and by Jesus, who drove out sacrilegious traders from the Temple with vehement energy. Yet, a meek person reacts with patience and kindness when personally attacked, feeling the wrong but pitying the perpetrator's damaged character, as Jesus did from the cross, pleading for forgiveness for His tormentors. This virtue enables bearing insults patiently, accepting instruction from the least, enduring provocation calmly, and seeking no private revenge, leaving justice to God. It fosters contentment with one's earthly portion, delivering from greed, and stands as a strong bulwark against self-righteousness and critical judgment of others. Meekness, far from weakness, is great strength, a valuable fruit of the Spirit we greatly need.