“Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” VS “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn”

 

“Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit” VS “Blessed Are Those Who Mourn”

Matthew 5:3–4 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of the heavens. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Isaiah 57:15 – “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit.”

Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 61:2–3 – “To comfort all who mourn… to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning.”

Luke 19:41–44 – Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

Romans 8:22–23 – “We ourselves groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption, the redemption of our bodies.” 

Aspect	Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit  (Matt. 5:3)	Blessed Are Those Who Mourn  (Matt. 5:4)
Meaning	To be poor in spirit means to realize one’s spiritual emptiness and need of God, depending entirely on Him. It is a heart emptied of self and open to God.	To mourn means to grieve in spirit over the negative situation in God’s eyes—sin, corruption, darkness, rejection of Christ, desolation of the church, etc.—sharing God’s sorrow for His will being hindered.
Reason	Because man is naturally proud and self-sufficient, God enlightens us to see our emptiness so that His kingdom may come within us.	Because the life and rule of the kingdom dwell in us, we see the fallen condition of the world and the church and are burdened to mourn with God.
Result	They receive the kingdom of the heavens as their portion—experiencing God’s divine rule within.	They will be comforted—receiving heavenly comfort and hope, seeing God’s victory and restoration.
Explanation	Being poor in spirit is the beginning of kingdom life; only those who admit their lack can be filled and ruled by God. Such people are humble, teachable, and open.	Mourning follows poverty in spirit. Once ruled by God’s life, we spontaneously grieve for the present world’s rebellion and the church’s desolation, sharing God’s burden.
Examples	Peter confessed, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8). Paul considered all things as refuse to gain Christ (Phil. 3:8).	Jeremiah wept for the sins of his people (Lam. 2:11). Jesus wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44). Paul wept for the saints (Phil. 3:18).
Application	In prayer, continually confess our spiritual poverty, asking the Lord to keep us humble, hungry, and soft before Him, allowing His kingdom to reign in our hearts.	Mourn with God for sin, corruption, and the desolation of the church; intercede with hope, believing in God’s coming victory and restoration.
Related Scriptures	Matt. 5:3; Isa. 57:15; Ps. 34:18; Jas. 4:6; Luke 1:53; Isa. 66:2; Rev. 3:17–18.	Matt. 5:4; Isa. 61:2–3; Ps. 126:5–6; Lam. 2:11; Luke 19:41–44; 2 Cor. 7:10; Rom. 8:22–23.

 

✨ Key Points Summary

• Poverty in spirit is the beginning of the kingdom life—it opens the vessel for God to fill and reign.
• Mourning is the inward reaction of those ruled by the kingdom life, sharing God’s sorrow for the fallen condition of His creation and the church.
• True blessedness is not in outward happiness but in inward participation in God’s kingdom, bearing His burden and enjoying His comfort.

🕊️ Conclusion

Those who are poor in spirit are open vessels to receive the heavenly kingdom, and those who mourn share God’s heart concerning the world’s fallen condition. Such ones are truly blessed, for they live under God’s rule and will surely be comforted by His coming restoration and glory.

 

*Please refer to the International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training in May 2025. General Topic: Vital Aspects of Matthew 5-7. Week 2: The Blessings of Those Who Mourn, the Blessings of the Meek, and the Blessings of the Peacemakers Who Are Called Sons of God.