January 8

Purity of Heart and Life

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. — Matt 5:8 BSB

Purity, especially purity of heart, is the primary goal we should strive for. We need to be cleansed from within by the Spirit and the Word, and when that happens, our outward actions will also be purified through dedication and obedience. There’s a strong connection between our affections and our understanding: if we love what is evil, we cannot comprehend what is good. If our hearts are polluted, our vision will be clouded. How can anyone who loves unholy things see a holy God?

What a privilege it is to see God even here on earth! Just a glimpse of Him is like experiencing heaven on earth! In Christ Jesus, the pure in heart can see the Father. We see Him—His truth, His love, His purpose, His sovereignty, His covenant nature—we see God Himself in Christ. But this vision is only possible when sin is kept out of our hearts. Only those who pursue godliness can truly say, “My eyes are always on the Lord.” The desire of Moses, “Please, show me Your glory,” can only be fulfilled in us as we purify ourselves from all sin. We will “see Him as He is,” and “everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself.” The joy of present fellowship with God and the hope of seeing Him in all His glory are powerful reasons to seek purity in heart and life. Lord, make our hearts pure so that we may see You!