Why do both the poor in spirit and the persecuted receive the reward of the kingdom of heaven?
Why receive the same reward for two different disciplines?
Matthew 5:3
ESV - 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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Asked May 09 2016
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Deon Benade
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Kenneth Heck
As I understand it, the poor in spirit are those whose spirit has been downcast because of the negative experiences during their lifetime. This is not the same thing as physical poverty. These qualify for the kingdom of heaven, but do not receive the great reward in heaven reserved for those persecuted for righteousness' sake. The persecuted qualify for both the kingdom of heaven and their great reward (Matt 5:10-12).