Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
As Jesus nears the conclusion of this opening part of His sermon, He once again points out to the Disciples how important it is to focus on the inward person, the motive of the heart rather than the outward appearances of purity demonstrated by the hypocritical Pharisees. He begins:
“Blessed are the pure in heart…”
One who is pure is defined as one who is unstained, utterly sincere, free from falsehood, living a life that is transparent, with no thoughts or motives that are devious or underhanded, and with no hypocrisy or deceit. Does this describe us? How many of us live an honest, genuine, transparent life? Do we, instead, act a certain way in front of others but a different way at home? Are we even totally transparent with those we love and trust the most? Or are we living life with a mask on, pretending to be someone we are not? Perhaps WE are the hypocrites.
Jesus calls us to a higher calling. Sometimes our impure desires, motives, or actions will be purified or refined by the fire of suffering, or our “vine” will need pruning. In turn, Jesus will give us new desires and pure motives, a consistency between what is going on inside versus the outside, between heart and action. Our purity will compel us to always do what is right, not just as a show, but rather as an expression of a pure heart. How blessed we would be to long for purity, to love all that is holy, and to abhor all that is false and offends the heart of God.
Jesus’ promise continues in verse 8: ”…for they shall see God.”
Research has shown that a regular eye exam can identify several cardiovascular conditions and can detect risks for heart disease long before a health professional has detected a condition. So, one can learn a lot about one’s heart health from a routine eye exam which is another good reason to get preventative care before one experiences symptoms!*
Our spiritual heart needs a good examination, as well, to detect whether there is disease present from the stains of impurity that are impeding our vision. When the filth is removed from our soul, not only is our heart purified but our vision is also purified. With purity of heart, we are promised to be blessed with eyes of faith that see God for the Holy One He is, the One whose light is so bright it shines in us to reveal all deceit and secrets. Our hearts are purified, and our eyes are opened to see God in His holy place, in all His holiness. Hallelujah!
Most Holy God, thank You for the words from Jesus that point out our need for purity of heart and clarity of eyes to see You. Let us not be complacent in pursuing it. May we pray as the Psalmist says, “Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! . . . Hide not Thy face from me.” Ps. 27: 7–9. We pray in the name of your Son who by His very life demonstrated holiness. Amen.
*Portions adapted from “The Eyes Really Are the Windows to the Soul” by VersantHealth.com
