Pure in Heart?


 I have been spending time in the Beatitudes, so I thought I’d share some thoughts, on this one in particular, “pure in heart”.  

Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” ‭‭

  • What does it mean for me, for us, to be “pure in heart”? One definition I found says, “free from sin; wholesome”. 
  • I do not see myself as living up to that standard. My thought life holds a lot of “wrong thinking”. And if what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart (Matthew 15:18), and the heart and mind are connected, then I have a lot of growing to do! I can lean towards negativity; skepticism. Sometimes I find myself focusing on outward appearances. I don’t always try to understand where someone might be coming from. And, at times, I can take things way to personal and become easily offended. That doesn’t sound like a pure heart to me! Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” A question raised from a devotional asks, “What areas in my heart and motives can I surrender to the Lord to purify and make me more like Him”? For me, some issues might be, jumping to conclusions before I have all the facts. Saying “no” before I even pray and see what the Lord has to say. Creating scenarios in my mind and being ready with a response before “it” even happens. Focusing on the negative instead of looking for the good. May my mantra be Psalm 51:2, Lord cleanse my heart from these wrong attitudes! 
  • Proverbs 21:2 says, “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart”. Perhaps to grow in becoming “pure in heart”, I need to daily check my motives, am I doing things out of love for God; to bring Him glory or out of selfishness and the need for approval and praise? 
  • Psalm 119:9 says, “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.”
  • ‭‭How can I become more like Jesus? How can I be “pure in heart”? The answer is found in Psalm 119:9, “By living according to your (God’s) Word. And James reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬)
  • ‭‭Perhaps to be “pure in heart” then requires us to think about what we are thinking about. Does it, whatever “it” may be, fit with the guidelines Paul gives in Philippians 4:8. Is it true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent or worthy of praise? If not, then it’s a lie straight from the enemy! Don’t let those thoughts, worries, fear, pride, whatever “it” may be take root! Ask the Lord to cleanse your heart, renew your mind, help you to see. Then you will begin to be “pure in heart” and you will be blessed:)


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