8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. – Matthew 5:8
As we continue our examination of the Beatitudes of Christ’s most famous sermon, we reach a seemingly impossible and upside down statement today. What great effort it takes to become pure at heart. Perhaps when we were younger, a child like faith and perspective was more attainable, but now? How do we go back when the tread on our proverbial life tires are so worn?
If there is any truth in Christ, it is found in an enduring movement of transforming grace. There is a very real sense that our God understands the kneading and prodding of a weary life. When He enters the heart of a man or woman, He does so like a fresh breath – a renewing movement. He takes us back to a time before the bills and heartbreak. This is a purity that goes beyond our narrow thinking and returns us to our only need in this life – His presence.
We too often look at purity as a set of regulations or we pigeonhole it to the merely physical aspects of our life. But Jesus has so much more in mind in this statement. The heart is the root of our lives and decisions. As our heart goes, so does the rest of our being. Our decisions, actions, words, and contemplation pours out of a pure or bruised heart. This condition is the most deciding of factors in us being able to see God. A pure heart trusts God where a bruised heart hesitates. A pure heart sees past circumstance to a childish belief in the restorative grace of our loving Father.
The pure of heart:
believes the best in people and is patient with the worst
recognizes the mercy granted to them
are rich in mercy themselves
doesn’t waver with unfavorable circumstances
seeks Jesus with childlike enthusiasm
Lord, grant us a pure heart. Restore us to the time before this world took it from us. Give us empathy and mercy for those around us. May we see you with unshakable clarity.
Matt simon blog 