Pure In Heart
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matt 5:8). This is the sixth beatitude Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount.
“PURE IN HEART” DEFINED
Many 21st century Christians might interpret “pure in heart” to mean a flawless heart with no sin. In its clear, original meaning, “pure in heart” “refers to the idea of something being singular, unified, un-mixed, or consistent. The pure in heart are focused from the inside out on one single thing. In this case, that thing is God” (www.bibleref.com).
Christians who want to be pure in heart must thirst for and serve God only: not God and money, not God and lust, not God and prestige. Just God. They must have a singular heart like King David who said, “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:44).
“PURE IN HEART” CREATED
Some bible scholars teach that we “cannot create in ourselves a pure heart in order to receive His blessing. We are given a pure heart because of our faith in what He has done on our account. We will see God because our sinful heart has been cleansed by faith, through the shed blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting” (dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com).
“PURE IN HEART” PRACTICED
Tony Evans, beloved Pastor and bible scholar, explains how to live “pure in heart.” He wrote, “Purity of heart involves being authentic, and this begins with honesty before God…We must go to God with our hearts completely open because we’re not hiding anything from him; he knows everything already. So come clean with him about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and you’ll see him operating powerfully in your life.”
Studying this beatitude has enlarged my understanding of the true meaning of “pure in heart.” Has this blog helped you or did you already know the original meaning of this state of the heart? Join the conversation.
Dr. Dorothy J. Haire
Author & Blogger
Both church planter and pastor of Bread of Life Christian Church for the last 18 years, Dr. Haire is a beloved mother and successful author. Empowered to deliver the word of God to His people, Dr. Haire uses her digital platform to educate and develop Christian communities that are rooted in the word of Christ.
Great article. We have to worship the true and living God, only. The cell phone has become an idol God in today’s society.
Thank you for the thoroughness of this teaching on the Pure in Heart. This helps us to grow.
Thank you Dr. Haire for that wonderful word, the Blog is always a bless to me. I want to always have that thirst for jesus and him only and to serve his. With my whole heart.
Thank you Dr. Haire for this week blog.
Thank you for sharing. I haven’t look at the “original meaning of a pure heart”, I looked at it as “having a heart after God”. I agree with both. My heart desire is to grow by faith in God to continue to create in me a pure heart.
Thank you for shedding light on this topic. I enjoyed it.
After reading this I have to question whether I have a pure heart now or in the past. I have come to God, but withholding a part. Maybe a tiny bit. Now I know what is truly required. Thank God for His mercy!!
Thank you Dr Haire for your words of wisdom and for sharing. I did not know the true meaning of being pure in heart like I though I did, but I do now. Thank you
I remember reading “ the heart is wicked and desperately evil” .
Go to God fully exposed, withholding nothing. He can cleanse.