Last week we studied mercy. This week we concentrate on the next fruit
of righteousness, which is PURITY. Mercy leads to purity. What does it
mean to be pure? The word “KATHAROS” [PURE] means to cleanse from
filth and iniquity. Synonyms = Clean, Chaste, Wholesome, Innocent,
Freedom from regret, clean conscience. I think ALL of us have, at some
time in our lives, done something we have regretted doing. Praise the
Lord that HE forgives and cleanses us when we come to Him in
repentance, so that He can be merciful and restore us to purity again –
HIS purity.
David wrote in Psalm 24:3-4a, “Who shall ascend the hills of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place? He who Has clean hands and a
PURE HEART…”
PURITY according to James – “Draw near to God and He will draw near
to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you men
of double mind.” (James 4:8)
Purity of heart is to strive after only one thing, namely, total commitment/
loyalty to God. THAT will enable us to live pure lives that do not conform
to this world’s standards.
PURITY according to Jesus – “You shall love the Lord your God with ALL
of your heart.” (Matt. 22:37) God’s mercy grants purity to those who
earnestly seek purity and mercy. We read in Psalm 51:9-11 “Hide your
face from my sins and blot out all my wickedness. Create in me a pure
heart, O God, and renew a steadfast (faithful) spirit within me. Do not
cast me from your presence nor take your Holy Spirit from me.”
Do we strive to be pure as Christ is pure? RIGHTEOUSNESS is the father
of mercy and purity. HOW do we remain pure? By FIXING our eyes on
Jesus! “The goal of this command (God’s work by faith) is love, which
comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1
Timothy 1:5) In Psalm 57:7 David cried this, My heart is fixed on God.
My heart is fixed. ” May our hearts be FIXED on Jesus, because in Matt. 6:
21 Jesus says; “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Father Lord God, please help me to focus my eyes and heart totally on
You, to concentrate on being pure in thoughts [mind], heart and actions.
Thank you that I can come to You whenever temptations attract me, so
that You can prevent me from falling into sin and impurity. You were also
tempted on earth, but You remained pure and never gave in to sin. Please
help me in all things, big and small, to bear the fruits of mercy, purity,
and peace. In Your blessed Name I pray, Amen.
Myrtle Turunen