👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾(#Anqetse #Bitsuan) #Blessed are the #poor in #spirit, for theirs is the #kingdom of #heaven(Matthew 5:3; Luke 6:20)
(Part 4)
“Peace and blessings to all followers of the Orthodox faith. Today, we reflect on the profound teaching of our Lord about humility and the blessedness of the poor in spirit. As we study the Scriptures and the examples of the saints, may our hearts be opened to receive wisdom, and may we learn to live a life of true humility before God.
✍🏾Humility in the Covenant
When God gave the covenant to wise Solomon, He said:
“If my people, who are called by my name, humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This teaches us that humility before God brings forgiveness, healing, and restoration.
✍🏾The Reward of the Humble
The Apostle Paul wrote:
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and embraced them. They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, seeking a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)
Similarly, the Evangelist John warns:
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. For the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are not from the Father. Whoever loves the world does not have the love of the Father in them. The world is passing away, but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)
Doing God’s will, therefore, brings eternal wealth and blessing in heaven.
Our Lord said:
“Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, parents, siblings, spouse, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God who will not receive many times more in this present time and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:30)
Here, Christ affirms that those who leave everything for their faith in Him will inherit the kingdom of heaven. A powerful testimony to this promise is the thief crucified on Jesus’ right, who, being poor in spirit, said:
“Lord, remember me in your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42)
Jesus answered him:
“Today you will be with me in paradise.”
This shows that the Lord grants eternal life to those who humbly believe and serve Him.
The Apostle Paul further instructs:
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
We are called to put on humility, for without it, our spiritual nakedness is revealed. Likewise, the Scriptures encourage us to treasure humility in our relationships:
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Through these teachings, we learn that humility is essential not only for our spiritual life but also for living in love and harmony with others.
Continues 👇🏾