What does it mean to be poor in spirit?

To be poor in spirit is foundational to the Christian faith and is articulated in Matthew 5:3, where Jesus teaches, 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.' This concept reflects a deep awareness of one’s spiritual neediness and inability to attain righteousness on our own. Just like the blind man, who was dependent upon Jesus to restore his sight, we, too, are beggars before God, acknowledging that we have nothing to offer for our salvation. This posture of humility and dependence leads to a greater understanding of grace and a deeper appreciation for the work of Christ on our behalf.