People of Peace
In his letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul explained that those who had been given new life in Christ not only had a redeemed future but also a new reality.
Instead of being confined to a hopeless world, they had an eternal hope.
Instead of being powerless against sin, they had the power to fight back.
Instead of continuing cycles of chaos, brokenness, and trauma, they could be people of peace.
Paul went on to say...
Hope for the Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His famous Sermon on the Mount with an upside-down perspective and eight counter-cultural blessings—commonly known as the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:3 ESV
To be physically poor is to lack resources or material possessions. The word "poor" might trigger a mental image of someone who can’t pay their bills, can’t break free from the cycle of poverty, or can’t afford food, clothing, or shelter.
So what does it mean to be spiritually poor, and why does Jesus think that’s a good thing?
Those who realize their own spiritual poverty know that, without God, they are spiritually bankrupt. Those who are poor in spirit understand the desperation of their situation—that they can have nothing, do nothing, and be nothing without Him. Those who are poor in spirit recognize that it’s humility, not pride or self-reliance, that’s a ...