The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 6

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
                               Matthew 5:8 (KJV)
 
Hi friends,
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     How are you?  Of which other verse or saying does this verse remind you?  I am just curious.  It brings up something directly in my mind and heart.  What about you?  It reminds me of Matthew 19:14, which says, “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”  I guess, it reminds me of this verse, because we think of babies and children as being pure in heart until they are touched by us grownups and molded into the ways of the world instead of the ways of God.

     However, even though babies and children might have the purest hearts of us all, what can that mean for the rest of us.  Babies are often the least touched by the world as they are so young and haven’t had the time or experiences that bring the world’s views down upon them.
     So, what does that mean for the rest of us?  We have been through life’s ups and downs.  We have been exposed to the thinking and views of the world.  We have seen and experienced sin and it’s effects.  In view of our sins and the sins we have witnessed or experienced, how can we be pure in heart?
 
     Let’s look at the first part of the verse, “Blessed are the pure in heart….” What does it mean to be pure in heart?  What does it mean to be pure?  Sometimes we look at “pure” as being untouched and perfect or nearly so.  This is the thought of when we think of babies as being pure or even as we think of virgins.  Virgins save themselves for their one true love, which they will some day marry.  They are “pure” in a sexual way.  Babies are pure in the way of life.  They have been untouched by the ways of the world and the sin of the world.
 
     We even think of animals as being pure or not pure.  We often put great stock in an animal being a purebred.  Purebreds are often more expensive than animals who can’t claim being purebred.  Purebreds are untouched by other breeds of animals.

     There is also another way that we think of “pure” that is quite similar to the other ways.  We think of “pure” as being the only, focused thing.  For example, we can buy some “pure” honey.  What does that mean?  That means there are no additives or preservatives, no added sugars, or any added coloring or flavoring.  It is just honey.

     So, what does it mean to have a pure heart?  That is when are heart is focused in one direction and on one being.  When we are pure of heart, it means we are focused on heavenly things and not worldly things.  Our hearts are focused on God, His Word, His will, His kingdom, and His love.  We are focused on serving God, thanking God, praising God, and worshiping God.  We are focused on living in accordance to God’s Word and will for us.

     Now that we know the “what” of a pure heart, let’s look at how we attain a pure heart.  We have all been touched in some way.  We have sinned, seen sin, and experienced sin.  We have been around and have been exposed to worldly ways and worldly views.  Often times, we get confused or worry about whether we are doing things in the worldly way or in the heavenly way.  Sometimes, we aren’t sure what to do. 

     Does that mean it is impossible for us to be pure in heart?  Well, it is impossible for us to purify our heart, because only God can do that.  However, it isn’t impossible for us who have been around a while to be pure in heart.  God can change our heart.  God can forgive and wash away our sins as if they never happened.  God can renew our heart and our mind.  God can transform us from worldly centered people to heavenly centered people.  We can’t do that, but God can.

     Yet, we have to do our part.  We have to acknowledge our sinfulness.  We have to repent and ask for forgiveness.  We have to seek God’s will and commit ourselves to following His will for us.

     The second part of the verse says, “For they (those who are pure in heart) shall see God.”  I am not sure what God means by that.  However, I wonder if when Jesus was saying these words, if he meant that if you believe what I am saying purely like a child would, you will see that I am God the Son.  You will see me as who I truly am instead of as a “carpenter’s son” or a “nice guy” or as a “prophet.”  You will see me as the Son of God.  I wonder if that is what he means for us.  Or, I wonder if it to “see God” means that we will see Him on his throne in heaven. 

     Whatever the meaning, I know it is a good thing and I want to see God.  I want that blessing.  I want to be so close to God that I see Him.  What about you? What are your thoughts?
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for the words you gave us in Matthew 5:8.  Thank you for teaching us right from wrong.  Thank you for your mercy.  Help us to be pure in heart.  Help us to focus our minds and hearts on you.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for Matthew 5:8 (KJV):
*What does Matthew 5:8 mean to me?
*What does pure of heart mean to me?
*Am I pure of heart?
*How can I better be pure of heart?
*What does seeing God mean to me?
*How can I better heed God’s Word and will for me in Matthew 5:8?

Note: If you haven't already done so, you may want to read the other posts in the series:
*The Beatitudes Series - Part 1
*The Beatitudes Series - Part 2
*The Beatitudes Series - Part 3
*The Beatitudes Series - Part 4
*The Beatitudes Series - Part 5

Now, it is your turn.
     I am so thankful that you are here.  I hope you are enjoying The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations.  I am interested in your thoughts and feedback.  Please, feel free to comment below or to contact me.  Also, if you haven't already, please consider signing up below to get the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations and other faith content in your inbox.  And, if you are finding value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share it with friends, family, and church family members, so they can find value in it as well.  Thank you.
    

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