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

Pure is defined as the quality of something that is not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks about a man that has a pure heart, a sincere and faithful heart that has been surrendered unto God as Savior and Lord…we shall see God! “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

The heart is the seat of emotions, desires, and thoughts. A pure heart loves God above all things, which is in direct opposition of the thoughts and actions of the Scribes, and Pharisees who gravitated towards outward and ceremonial appearances.

Jesus looks at the inward part of a man, note what He said to the religious leaders of that day “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. So, you, too, outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matthew 23:27-28.

The book of 1 Samuel gives the account of the Prophet Samuel selection of the one to rule over Israel instead of King Saul. Samuel was assured that having seen the eldest son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, Eliab, that he would be the anointed of God; however, God spoke to Samuel with these words “But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

David was the youngest of Jesse’s sons and the least likely to be chosen for a king, actually he was away in the fields tending the sheep…God knew David’s heart and again spoke to Samuel “And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.” 1 Samuel 16:12.

What does your heart look like today- have you been washed in the blood of the crucified lamb of God- Who is the only One who can cleanse and purify our hearts, minds, and souls? Do you desire more than anything else to follow God and to be pleasing in His sight- or do you seek the approval of man and the possessions of this world?

God blesses those who love and seek Him; and yes, His beloved children are able to experience His divine guidance, power, and amazing grace every single day of our lives. Comforting words from the gospel hymn Amazing Grace brings peace to our very souls: “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come: ‘Tis Grace hath brought me safe this far, And Grace will lead me home!”

The light of God lives within every born-again believer; and one day my dear friends, all those who are pure in heart shall see God face to face. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12.

God blessings, peace and amazing grace be with us all.