What Does It Mean to Be Pure in Heart?

Christian question

To be pure in heart means to have a heart that is undivided, sincere, and free from hypocrisy. It is a heart that is completely devoted to God and is willing to follow His commands.

One of the most well-known references to being pure in heart is found in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where he says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). This verse suggests that those who are pure in heart will have a special relationship with God and will be able to experience His presence in a deeper way.

In the Old Testament, purity is often associated with being ceremonially clean, as prescribed by the laws of the Torah. However, the concept of purity in the New Testament is more about being inwardly pure, rather than outwardly clean. In Matthew 23:26, Jesus says, "You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and then the outside also will be clean." This suggests that true purity comes from the heart, rather than from outward appearances or actions.

Being pure in heart also involves being honest and sincere in our motives and actions. In Psalm 51:6, David prays, "Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." This verse suggests that God wants us to be honest and sincere in our hearts, rather than just pretending to be righteous on the outside.

Another aspect of being pure in heart is being free from hypocrisy. In Matthew 6:1, Jesus says, "Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." This verse suggests that true righteousness comes from the heart, rather than from a desire to be seen as righteous by others.

In summary, being pure in heart means having a heart that is undivided, sincere, and free from hypocrisy. It involves being completely devoted to God and being honest and sincere in our motives and actions. It is a heart that is focused on pleasing God, rather than seeking the approval of others.


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