Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness, for they will be filled.
—Matthew 5:6
Robust spiritual health requires a hearty appetite for righteousness.
Unblemished righteousness is beyond our reach, but must never be beyond our longing.
Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who are righteous,” but blessed are those who hunger and thirst for it. As H.G. Wells said, “A man may be a bad musician and yet be passionately in love with music.” The hunger and thirst will be rewarded by the filling: God “satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things” (Ps 107:9).
But one meal doesn’t satisfy once and for all; the craving is continuous—a lifelong hunger and thirst for the food and drink of righteousness. Not until we get to heaven will it be said, “Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst” (Rv 7:16).
It is not the appetite for riches and recognition
that God blesses, but the appetite for righteousness.