Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness — without it no one will see the Lord. Make sure that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no root of bitterness springs up, causing trouble and by it, defiling many. And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for one meal. Hebrews 12:14-16 HCSB https://bible.com/bible/72/heb.12.14-16.HCSB
In the Beatitudes, Jesus said: 'blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.' Matt 5:8 If He tells us this and it is affirmed by the writer of Hebrews, then it is true and relevant.
What pulls at us to be impure? Sexual Sin, yes, but all sin that we allow to pollute our hearts defiles us, be it unforgiveness, bitterness or just plain selfishness, as this is idolatry.
How do we be pure in heart? We can start by guarding it against lust, judgement, self-righteousness, arrogance and pride.
Secondly, we can live by the grace of God, as grace is freely given to us and it is His enabling power.
Thirdly, pursue peace with everyone. This requires grace and forgiveness and will not happen without it.
Fourthly, don't despise the new life given to you, Jesus struggled to win the victory for us. We cannot trample His gift by our disdain.
If we want to see God, we need to go here. Amen!
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