August 8

Abandon the towns and settle among the rocks, O dwellers of Moab! Be like a dove that nests at the mouth of a cave. — Jer 48:28 BSB

"Harmless as a dove" was Christ’s description of purity. The Holy Spirit, likewise, is the essence of purity. He cannot dwell in an unclean heart or abide in the natural mind. As it was said of the anointing in the Old Testament, "It shall not be poured on man’s flesh."

The purity the Holy Spirit brings is like a spotless plant that grows from the dark soil, yet remains clean and untouched by the dirt around it. This purity protects itself, resisting the defilements of the world because it is inherently holy and divine. Like the dove’s plumage, which remains unsoiled even in murky water, the Holy Spirit keeps our hearts pure and untainted by sin.