Pure Heart – James 4:7-8

#gardenfaith, close to God, greatest commandment, Guide our steps Lord, pure in heart, purified from sin 1 Minute

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

– James 4:7-8 (NLT)

James noticed that worldliness was pervading the Christian community in the early church. He urged them to resist the devil and repent from their sinful ways. Telling them to wash their hands, a symbol of repentance, and turn away from being double-minded, serving self and God. For them to turn away from sin and serve God.

We need to obey God, be humble, and come close to God. When we move toward God, He moves closer to us. We need to live according to Jesus’ teaching. Purifying our hearts, letting go of worldly ways, and loving the Lord your God with all our hearts.

Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

Matthew 22:37 (NIV)

A pure heart characterized by an absence of impurity and contamination. A pure heart has openness and integrity, which are essential for a deep relationship with God.

It is time to quit playing in the worldly field, to repent from sin, purify our hearts, and love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field.

James 4: 7-8 (MSG)

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Our Heavenly Father, help us to realize what is important in life. Guide our steps and teach us to rely on Your guidance. Thank You for Your love, grace, and forgiveness. Help us to turn away from worldliness and sin and have a pure heart. As Dianthus flowers are gathered close together, turning toward the sun, let us draw close to You and follow Your Son, Jesus. Amen

🌺

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Published by Jeanne

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11 thoughts on “Pure Heart – James 4:7-8”

  2. Amen. It’s so important to ask God to show us areas of our lives where there is sin and to be quick to repent so we can draw closer to Him. Thanks Jeanne! ☀️🪴

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    1. Yes, to have God search our hearts, and show us where we need to change, so we can be humble and repent and grow closer to Him. It’s good to hear from you! Have a great weekend, Dawn! 💖🦋🌺

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  5. Jeanne, I love this verse and often recollect it from the NIV where it says resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Both of these sentences speak of an initial choice on our part of resisting the devil and drawing near to God and that is followed by God making sure the devil flees and Him drawing close.
    Blessings to you 💕😊

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    1. Hi Manu! It is a great, reassuring verse; if we resist sin, repent, and draw near to God, He will draw close to us, teaching and guiding us. I like the NIV version; it’s wonderful that when we resist evil, the devil will flee from us. It’s always good to hear from you! Peace and Blessings! 💖🦋🌺

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  6. Pingback: Pure Heart – James 4:7-8 – QuietMomentsWithGod

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