Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:

Read Matthew 5: 8. What is your interpretation of what Jesus is saying in this Beatitude?

Pastor Diane shared William Barclay’s quote that this sixth beatitude demands that every man and woman who read this beatitude should stop, and think, and examine him or herself. Do you agree with him? What do you think is meant by this quote? How might it help you in your daily life?

The Greek word for “pure” is Katharos which means clean. Read Mark 7: 1-7. How did Jesus respond to the Jews in this passage when they were so concerned about outward cleansing? What did Jesus say was more important? Does this make you think of the cleanliness of your own heart? Why or why not?

Chandler shares how Jesus is trying to help you and I break a cycle...that he refers to as the “Cycle of Shame.” What do you do when you sin, stumble, and fall back into sinful habits? Do you run from God? Do you run to Him? Or do you try to hide from Him?

What does it mean to you to be “Pure in Heart”? What are a few things you can do that would be beneficial in creating a heart that is pure?

Read John 15: 1-8. What does this verse encourage you to do to be closer to Jesus? How connected to Christ are you? What is your understanding of the Gospel?

In this verse the pure in heart will see God. How will you see God?

Prayer for the week:

Sovereign Lord, create in us a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Lord, we are a sinful people by nature and we are not worthy of You and Your grace. Yet You love us. Thank you for that. It is our desire to see you, Lord, to touch you, and to be in your presence. Please forgive us of our sins and instill in us a clean and pure heart. We come to you with a repentant heart, praying that you will cleanse our spirit. We love you Lord and praise your Holy Name. Amen.