The Beatitudes - 6

Blessed are the pure in heart,

For they shall see God. - Matthew 5:8

"Pure in heart" refers to a heart that is sincere, free from selfish motives, deceit, or hypocrisy. No one but us and God knows our hearts. People see our actions and judge us by them, but God judges us by our intentions—our hearts. Pure heart suggests a state of inner moral integrity, where thoughts and intentions are aligned with goodness, kindness, and truthfulness. Goodness, kindness, and truthfulness refer to the fruit of the Spirit right?. 

I think there are two major traits to consider. Integrity and Hypocrisy

 Integrity 

  • Heart and actions are the same.
  • yearns for a good name from God.

hypocrisy, 

  • Heart says one, but actions do another. 
  • yearns for a good name from others.

Getting a good name from people is fine, but what matters more is a good name from God. In that case, even if other people misunderstand us and judge us as bad, if we are pure in heart, we need not worry, as we have received a good name from God. That's all that matters, right?

What not to do:

One thing I would like to reflect on is excuses. Take the example of Adam and Eve—everyone tried to blame the other. "Not me. I did it because..." But who sends signals to our sense organs other than us? No one can force me to do something. My hands, legs, and mouth obey what signals my brain gives, nothing else. So it just doesn't make sense to blame others for our mistakes.

Another thing is justification: , "I had to do it."  "I didn’t hurt anyone, so what's wrong with it?" "I had no other choice"  No matter what we will always have a choice. Deep down, we know in our hearts that we are wrong.  I can justify myself to myself, but will I have a chance on Judgment Day? 

What to do:

David is a great example. When confronted with his sins, he says:

For I acknowledge my transgressions,

And my sin is always before me. - Psalms 51:3

The first step in keeping our hearts clean is acknowledging that they are dirty. Then, take a broom and sweep everything out.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a steadfast spirit within me. - Psalms 51:10

That’s the difference between David and Adam, Eve: acknowledging his sin and asking forgiveness from God, as opposed to hiding from God and blaming others.


Acknowledge, Don't Hide. 

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