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

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.

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