Living Out JusticeSample

Blessed are the pure in heart

‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.’ (Matthew 5:8, NIV)

Devotion:

In Psalm 51:10, David earnestly prayed, ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God.’ His plea reflects deep longing for renewal and holiness. In Philippians 4:8, Paul urged contemplation on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus said that those who are pure in heart are blessed.

This blessing is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ famous teaching on a way of living, radically rooted in compassion, humility and faith. To be pure in heart means to have sincerity, integrity and an undivided devotion to God. It looks past outward actions and appearances, straight to a heart that is free from deceit, bitterness and notions of self-importance. A pure heart is one that seeks God honestly and loves others selflessly.

The promise attached to this blessing – ‘for they will see God’ – is profound. This means experiencing God's presence more clearly in this life – through his guidance, love and truth – as well as the ultimate fulfilment of seeing him in eternity.

Purity of heart is not about perfection, but about a continual pursuit of God's holiness. It’s an invitation to grow closer to him, letting him refine our hearts and shape our thoughts.

Reflect:

Take time today to think and reflect on what the benefits of purity are. As David prayed: ‘Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.’ (Psalm 51:10, NIV)

How do you feel about being pure? Do you feel it is attainable in today’s world?

How can you embrace purity in your daily life? How could purity change your relationships with others?

Where do you feel most in need of God’s renewal, restoration and sustenance?

Rest:

As you rest today, meditate on the instruction of Philippians 4:8.

Notice the things that are pure, lovely, praiseworthy. Settle your mind on God’s goodness, filtering distractions and anxieties that cloud your thinking. You may want to turn off your phone or mute digital notifications. Take a walk or sit in a space where there is plenty of God’s creation to observe and enjoy.

As you reflect, remember that purity of heart is not found in striving but in surrender. Are there heavy thoughts or emotions weighing you down? Lay them before God and trust that he will renew and restore you.

Prayer:

Thank you, Father, for the joy and purity in the things I see when I slow down, for the opportunity to enjoy the world you created and for the time to make today different to my normal days. Amen.

Weekly check-in questions:

Reflect on the various ways you’ve lived out justice in the last week. Think about each day and the different experiences you have been invited to participate in.

• Can you remember the people you interacted with? Spend some time recollecting their reactions and their stories.
• How did these interactions shape, change or challenge you?
• Could any of these actions become part of your day-to-day life?