Verse: Matthew 5:6-8
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Devotion
Why did Jesus have to say "pure in heart?" I mean, it is challenging enough to try and love people who are mean to you, be merciful to people, forgive people, and so on. But he also decides to put his finger on our motives?
This part is so challenging. But I think Jesus points it out because he's not just looking for external change in our lives, he's looking for real change. He wants us to find true freedom from unforgiveness, strife, jealousy, and all the internal battles that we might cover up on the outside, but will fester and begin to rot on the inside.
When I think about being pure in heart a few Psalms come to mind that I pray as prayers:
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
These are two prayers we can pray on a regular basis. We don't just accidentally become pure in heart, nor does it happen by our sheer determination and hard work. It is a work of the Holy Spirit within us, coupled with our faithful and obedient partnership with him. So we can pray: "God, create in a pure heart! Search me and show me where my heart is impure!" And then we can walk through repentance, turning from our sin, and finding new life in Jesus!
I encourage you to pray those Psalms today, even this week, and see how the Lord moves in your heart!