What does poor in spirit mean? Jesus starts out His sermon on the mountainside, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven."

Jesus saw an opportunity to preach to this large crowd following Him, so He sat down on a mountainside, with the people on the slope below Him. The Bible says He began to teach; in a different style altogether, from His cousin John, the Baptist.

Let me ask again, what does poor in spirit mean? How can they be blessed or glad, and have the kingdom of Heaven?

We should know first, that the Bible often uses the words, 'spirit' and 'heart' interchangeably. It is also helpful to remember that the Bible says we are tri-part beings, with body, soul and spirit. Our spirit is that eternal essence in us, that can hear and do business with God.

On a secular level, it is generally thought; when we say someone has spirit, we are thinking they are lively, enthusiastic, involved, and often self-confident. If one is poor in spirit, he'd be lacking in these traits, right? Shy, withdrawn, feeling like a nobody, the ones with nothing to contribute are the poor in spirit. But Jesus says they can be glad because they may have the kingdom of heaven. So is this view correct when held against the Biblical view?

It may be an attempt at answering our question, what does 'poor in spirit' mean, but when I take into account the Biblical meaning of spirit or heart, it helps me understand it all better. If I am 'poor in spirit' it doesn't just mean that I feel like a nobody, or worthless. Rather, it means I come into God's presence with humility and awe, seeing Him as the One to worship. I'm ready to hear and heed whatever God says to me. God doesn't want me to feel like a filthy door mat, ready to be stomped. No, He wants us to come humble and ready to worship and obey. Then He can start working with us, and have fellowship with us.

Jesus has the power to wash and cleanse a dirty door mat kind of person and turn her into a clean and useful tool, but that is a process. We may not be ready for true fellowship and union with Him right away.

Since Jesus says in the same sentence, "For theirs is the kingdom of Heaven," I think the latter interpretation makes more sense. He is not looiking for a resigned victim attitude in us, but one of unhindered, unself-centered worship of God.

Voila! Jesus says then we're fit for the kingdom of heaven! We qualify.

The ones with all the power and self-confidence aren't going to stoop to enter the kingdom this way.

Can you tell now whether you can get into Heaven? If you do, and if you take that humble step of faith, receiving Christ's sacrifice for your sins, then you are "Blessed" and can be exceedingly glad. I am already! Because Jesus counts us in!