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Matthew 5:8 is the text for this sermon entitled, "Sixth Beatitude: Pure in Heart."
This 6th beatitude emphasizes the importance of purity of heart as a core value for Christians, contrasting it with the first century Pharisees' focus on ritual rather than true spiritual presence. The biblical meaning of "heart" in both the Old and New Testaments is the center of one's inner self, mind, and will. A "pure" (katharos) heart is clean, guiltless, and free from sin, both in a literal and spiritual sense.
The happy reward of a pure heart is seeing God, a blessing that it has both present and future dimensions. This, too, contrasts with the Pharisees' belief that only spiritual leaders could see God, implying that only they controlled the information/blessings of God.
How do we maintain a pure heart? Curtis explores sound practices such as focusing thoughts on God, avoiding contaminating influences, and maintaining a heart filled with thanksgiving and forgiveness. The pure heart is one that is grace-forgiven and the person who maintains this pure heart will experience God's presence.