Living Out JusticeSample

Blessed are the poor in spirit

‘“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”’ (Matthew 5:3, NIV)

Devotion:

This verse, from the well-known Beatitudes of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, diagnoses humanity with a spiritual poverty.

The words can be confronting as, for many of us, to be known as poor is to be financially lacking and to be physically vulnerable. This verse isn’t concerned with our material wealth, but our spiritual health.

It points to a shared reality: we are deeply in need of Jesus. We are completely dependent on His guidance and His grace in every aspect of our lives. To identify this spiritual poverty within ourselves, and, in response, to seek the infinite riches of Jesus, is a blessed position because He is ready to offer us strength and direction.

The truth is that without His presence, our well-intended efforts fall short. But those who lean on the power of Jesus are equipped beyond their own abilities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His empowerment does not simply elevate our abilities; it renews our hearts, emboldens our faith, and enables us to speak up with the conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Reflect:

When we confess our spiritual poverty, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of God’s Kingdom: ‘“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”’ (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

• Have there been moments when you felt spiritually empty, yet discovered God’s presence in a new way?
• In what ways do you rely on your own strength rather than surrender to God’s guidance? Where could surrender lead you?
• Is there an area of your life where God is calling you to embrace spiritual humility so that you may receive more fully from him? Take time to pray about this.

Rest:

‘Hurry is the great enemy of the spiritual life in our day,’ writes Dallas Willard, the American philosopher.

Today, take a break from activity. Acknowledge within yourself the desire to do – and evaluate its importance. If you can, put your to-do items aside and rest for more than a few minutes at a time. Consider whether you have been seeking productivity over presence.

Be unhurried. Recognise your deep need of God. Enjoy time spent with Him.

Prayer:

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to reflect and rest. Please help me to make time to be in your presence, relying on your guidance as I seek to make a difference where I am.

Teach me to embrace my spiritual poverty so that I may receive the riches of your grace. May my words and actions be a reflection of your love, and my life a testimony to your power at work within me. Amen.

Weekly check-in questions:

Reflect on the various ways you’ve lived out justice in the last week. Think about each day and the different experiences in which you have been invited to participate.

• Can you remember the people you interacted with? Spend time recollecting their reactions and their stories.
• How did these interactions shape, change or challenge you?
• Could any of these actions become part of your day-to-day life?