Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)
(Jesus spoke these words), “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”

Hunger and thirst are givens in life.  All of us hunger for food and thirst for drink on a daily basis.  Without food or water it is a guarantee that we would eventually die.  While we breathe, hunger and thirst will never escape us. Hunger and thirst does have a comical side.  One may say, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,” only later to say, “If I eat one more bite, I’ll explode,” and then to eventually say, “I’m hungry.”  It is a never-ending cycle; hunger and thirst.  

If nothing else, it is interesting that at the beginning and end of our lives others must assist us to eat and drink.  As infants, we would die quickly without the help of others.  Babies cannot express, except through crying and screaming, that they hunger and thirst.  In stark contrast, some adults at their later stage of life sit in silence as other kind souls assist them with food and drink to sustain their lives.  

Besides food and drink, what do you hunger for?  The Word tells us that if we hunger and thirst for righteousness we will be full.  Can you imagine eating one meal and having a glass of water and never craving food or drink again?  That will never happen!  But our hunger and thirst for righteousness will always satisfy as long as that is our continual goal. 

Christians hunger and thirst for success, good health, power, happiness, and other things.  Why not righteousness?  This is worth considering being that Jesus brought up the idea.  I believe that living a moral life is something most people desire, but it is a lifestyle that must be pursued with passion and intentionality.  

So today, as excellent field goal kickers practice field goals; as excellent musicians practice their instruments; as excellent chefs practice their cooking skills; may we practice hungering and thirsting for righteousness.  The Lord loves righteousness and justice (Psalm 33:5).  He Himself is righteous (Psalm 11:7).  Let us joyfully, and daily, be imitators of God (Eph. 5:1) and hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Jesus promises that, in doing so, we will be blessed and we shall be filled.

Copyright 2025 Michael Callahan Ministries, LLC