Jesus taught that a person who truly enjoys life (is “blessed”) is one who is “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8 NKJV). Consider these biblical principles on having a pure heart.
A pure heart results in a pure life. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” For instance, when James warned about the dangers of the tongue (James 3:1–11), he was highlighting how our speech reveals the thoughts of our hearts.
A pure heart comes from a desire to be pure. The psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10 ESV). A pure heart begins with a genuine desire for purity.
A pure heart comes from a deep love for God. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). This love leads to a desire to be pleasing to Him, as seen in Psalm 19:14. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
A pure heart recognizes God’s Word as the standard. Hebrews 4:12 states, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” The Bible reveals whether our motives and desires are pure or wicked. While people judge by outward appearances, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Therefore, we treasure God’s Word in our hearts to avoid sin against Him (Psalm 119:11).
A pure heart is mindful of its influences. Proverbs 4:23 instructs, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” What we allow into our hearts—through friends, family, entertainment and media—affects our spiritual health. Jesus taught, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!” (Matthew 6:22-23).
A pure heart fully trusts in God. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Trusting God means seeking, learning, and obeying His will in every season of life.
