Pure In Heart

22. April 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”  

Today we are talking about one of my favorite beatitudes.  The pure in heart and seeing God. 

What does it really mean to “see God.” 

Let’s begin with the word pure.  The word pure comes from a word that means to be made clean by pruning.  It means to be free from corrupt desire, sin and guilt, to be blameless, to be innocent.   To be made clean by pruning. 

This is that time of year where if you look around, you will see a lot of landscapers pruning in order that the trees will grow healthy.   

Pruning in landscaping and gardening is the practice of removing diseased, non-productive, or otherwise unwanted portions from a plant.  The purpose of pruning is to shape the plant by controlling or directing plant growth, to maintain the health of the plant, or to increase the yield or quality of flowers and fruits.  (Wikipedia)

As we look at the definition of pruning, we see it is a cutting away in order to produce health and increase quality and growth.  I know we don’t like to go through difficult times, or endure pain or suffering, but I am a firm believer that every experience that we go through, there is a lesson to be learn for growth and for our own physical and mental health. 

Sometimes the situations that we encounter are “pruning” or cutting away some attitudes, mindsets, or emotions that we need to get rid of.  

Sometimes pain and suffering creates greater faith, a stronger will or determination, or it causes us to reflect on our life and pushes us to get on the right track.  The scriptures teach that “all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose.”  We see in this “pure of heart” phrase that it is developed by pruning or by a cutting away.  For our hearts to be totally pure or for us to be “single-minded” in our thoughts towards God, we must go through the pruning that is necessary to create purity. 

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about  what Jesus has to say concerning the  heart.

Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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