You Can be Poor in Spirit

Have you ever wondered if you are poor in spirit? What does that even mean for modern day life? This way of living can help someone who has faith in God and those who do not. It comes from the gospels of Saint Matthew and Luke where they retell Jesus speaking the beatitudes to the poor and those following Him. Beatitudes are a list of progressive ways to find salvation and live a healthy, holy life. The one we are focusing on now is “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

There are a few understandings that go back to the first Christians and their understandings. Poor in spirit can mean that poverty is driven by the Holy Spirit to detach from material possessions. People can seek their treasure in heaven instead of here on Earth. So, humility and seeking something more than what the material world offers you is the mentality you can have to be poor in spirit.

The main thing all of the translations have in common is that people find a way to trust that their needs will be met, that they disconnect themselves from wealth, fame, power found in material belongings. From the psychological perspective, being poor in spirit can mean having humility and letting go of pride. We can do this in many ways, but some admit we are not perfect and need help. Only admitting that we can improve will allow us to grow and change.

In conclusion, being poor in spirit is not a thing to be feared but embraced. We can improve ourselves by letting go of attachments to the material world, pride, and more attachment to something more universal and eternal. I hope this helps clarify a potentially confusing phrase and if you need help reach out to a professional and they can help you. You are worth helping and working on yourself. These things are true even if you are not spiritual, but humility can benefit you if you want to let it do so.