This Side Of HeavenSample

100% Pure

Jesus tells us in the sixth beatitude to be “pure in heart”, for those who do so will see God (Matt 5:8). To be “pure in heart” is more than just to be “pure”. To be “pure” could point to external works that reflect purity. In many cases, this is a great thing as we are called to be pure (Titus 2:5).  However, being “pure in heart” speaks more than the outward appearances and produced works, but our motives and inner being—the epicenter of who we are. God, who looks at the heart (1 Sam 16:7; Jer 17:10) and weighs the motive (Prov 16:2), wants our entire selves to be holistically pure. 

Why does God want us to be pure? So that we can enjoy a relationship with Him. But how can man be pure before a Holy God? Does not Scripture write that the heart is deceitful (Jer 24:7) and produces evil (Matt 15:19; Mk 7:21)? 

The heart of man before coming to know God is a heart of stone. Yet, it is immediately replaced into a heart of flesh when one comes to know God (Ezek 36:26; 2 Cor 3:3)! As new creations in the Lord (2 Cor 5:17), we can now come to have a relationship with Him with a pure and sincere heart. 

Therefore, the gist of this beatitude once again focuses on a relationship with God. Those who are part of the Kingdom are pure in heart because they have been reborn with a new heart. 

Prayer: O God, create in me a new and pure heart and renew a right spirit within me to be pure and blameless before Your throne. Father, I want to see You and to live in a right relationship with You because You are all that I want and all that I have ever needed. Help me Lord, to draw near to You in purity because I long for You to draw near to me in love. Thank you Lord. Amen.