Matthew 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” This Beatitude speaks to a deep longing for God’s will to be done—an insatiable appetite for justice, holiness, and alignment with God’s purposes. The image of hunger and thirst conjures an urgent need that cannot be satisfied by temporary comforts. The promise of being “filled” points to divine satisfaction that meets the deepest longings of the human heart. In a world of instant gratification, this Beatitude challenges believers to cultivate a holy discontent that drives prayer, repentance, and action.
Righteousness in this context is a comprehensive word—right standing with God and living in ways that reflect God’s will in justice, mercy, and truth. It links personal holiness with social righteousness. The promise of fulfillment signals eschatological hope: God will fully satisfy those who seek him with persevering hunger.
Practical steps: 1) Cultivate prayers and practices that awaken deeper longing for God’s will (fasting, Scripture meditation, justice initiatives). 2) Engage in mercy-focused service—feeding the hungry, helping the marginalized, promoting fairness in your community. 3) Resist compromises for comfort; persevere in resisting sin and pursuing integrity. 4) Partner with others to address systemic issues—poverty, exploitation, and discrimination. 5) Invite friends to join in communal pursuits of righteousness, modeling a life that yearns for God’s rule.
Cross-References: Psalm 42:1-2; Isaiah 55:1-3; Romans 12:1-2; Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:33