The Attitude of Being
Matthew 5:3-6 (NKJV) “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
For they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
For they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled…..”
Everyone usually remembers the sermon Jesus preached on the mountain. He gives a list of things, saying, “Blessed are those who hunger,…” Did you know that the Greek Word for Blessed is Makarios; which means Happy. So, if you were to read the scripture from the beginning, it would say, “Happy are the poor in spirit.” But to me, that still sounds confusing. Even if you read it backward, it still sounds confusing. E.g., If you are poor in spirit, then you are Happy? Why would a person who is poor in spirit be happy? The key to understanding Jesus’ sayings is to ask the questions “why” or “because.” Jesus gives the answer to each of the sayings in the next line.
- If you are poor in spirit, then you will be happy, because you will have the kingdom of heaven.
- If you are in mourning, then you will be happy, because you will be comforted.
- If you are meek, then you will be happy, because you will inherit the earth.
Now, do you understand what Jesus is explaining?
This part of the scripture is also known as the Beatitudes. Beatitude comes from two words, Being + Attitude. It means your attitude of being. Your attitude is not an emotion, but a mindset, how you think. Happiness is an emotion, not an attitude. Did you also know that your emotions do not determine your thoughts? It is the other way around. What you think drives how you feel. Look at this:
- If you are poor in spirit, you will have the kingdom of heaven, then you will be happy.
- If you are in mourning, you will be comforted, then you will be happy.
- If you are meek, you will inherit the earth, then you will be happy.
Think about the things of heaven, not about the worries and cares of the things on earth. (Colossians 3:2)
Jesus hasn’t forgotten about you. He wants you to be happy. But happiness comes from having a mindset (beatitude) focused on the Heavenly things.
Be Blessed!
Ron
Ron Cobbs Ministries © Copyright June 26th, 2026, All Rights Reserved