The beatitudes were among the first scriptures that I remember being taught in Sunday School. They were so sweet reciting especially in my mother tongue. One of the statements of Christ that forms the subject of this post was;Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.[Mathew 5:8]
It is simple yet containing some profound mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven. It actually sets the qualification to see God; having a pure heart.
Purity is associated with sanctification, also called holiness and going on to perfection. The Greek word for “pure” is katharos. Fundamentally, it signifies that which is clean, or free from contaminating substance. Pure may describe a heart that is free from unadulterated motives.
The heart is central to this because in the Bible the heart stands for the seat, source, reservoir and instigator of our thoughts, attitudes, desires, character and motivation. We can see the importance of the heart from Proverbs 4:23
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."
In view of this, everything we think, say or do should be inspired by this quality of the heart. Whether it is loving, serving God or others as we see in the following scripture;
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. [1Timothy 1:5-7]
The conversation between Paul and Timothy was that of a father to a son, a mentor to a protégée, a teacher to a disciple. He was at the point where he was finishing his race and passing the baton to another. He had experienced so much in his Christian walk, and perhaps was simplifying to an infant of faith what were the quintessentials of living a Godly life and finishing well. He says,
I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lo′is and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you. 2 Timothy 1:3-5
What a lofty disposition that would be; a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere (genuine) faith!
Father I have confessions I need to make and areas in my life I need your grace more and the help of your Holy Spirit. Help me to get rid of unforgiveness. All the grudges I have harbored in my heart because I was too proud to allow and let go the wrongs of others.
I have allowed worldly corruption that has polluted my mind and my heart. My language has been conformed to the world. My heart is defiled by opening my eyes to vanity and my ears to wickedness. I have entertained lustfulness in my heart and in this way let impurity into my heart.
Lord take this heart of mine. It is filthy. Cleanse it by your truth which is your word. Reveal to me and enable me to walk in that path of purity of heart. Amen.
Other Scriptures:
[Psalms 18:26] With the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself contrary.
[Psalms 73:1] Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart
[Isaiah 1:16] Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes
[Jeremiah 4:14] O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you?
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