Jesus was quoted as saying, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8, ESV)

Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary tells us that the word “heart” to Bible writers carried a much larger definition than it does today to modern readers. Back then, the heart identified with all emotions, character, and thinking.

Not that these differing definitions change anything real, they don’t, however they offer different perspectives.

When reading the beatitude that combines blessings and happiness to a pure heart, it becomes apparent that pure emotions, pure character, and pure thinking can also be valued and expressed.

From 21^st Century Science and Health:

The goal, a point beyond faith, is to find the footsteps of Truth, the way to health and spirituality. Sincere effort is required to reach the Horeb height where God is revealed. The cornerstone of all spiritual building is purity. Spirit’s baptism washes the body of all fleshly impurities and shows that the pure in heart see God. We approach spiritual Life and its demonstration through purity.

The effects of spiritual Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the “gentle whisper”[1] of Truth expressing itself. We are either neglecting this expression or we are attentive to it and being improved by it. Willingness to become as little children[2] and to leave the old for the new, prepares thought to receive the advanced idea. To cheerfully leave behind the false imprints and contentedly let them disappear, is the attitude that helps to precipitate the ultimate harmony. The purification of feelings and intent is a proof of progress. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”[3]

Misinterpretations of Science and Health would condemn to oblivion the truth which is strengthening the weak and elevating human consciousness from a theoretical to a practical Christianity. Restrictions and criticisms are generally based on misquotes or phrases out of context. Even the Scriptures, which grow in beauty and consistency from one grand root, appear contradictory when torn apart and exposed to such usage. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God [Truth].”[4]

Quoting from science & religion to God:

When inspired by God, Truth, and Love, we inspire others. We can serve God, rather than money. We can have pure inclinations, rather than indulge the flesh and egotism. We can drink in the spiritual evidence of health, holiness, and life, rather than absorb the material evidence of sickness, sin, and death.

Divine interpretation gives us the deeper meaning our hearts yearn for. Spiritual interpretation maintains our life purpose and makes our experiences, words, expressions—even myths—useful. It points the way to non-intrusive healing.

Although it can be useful to have other people pray for or with us, we are able to communicate directly with God without a middleperson. Turn off the television, the cellphone, the computer. Don’t listen incessantly to the muscles, nerves, and brain. Enter into the heart of a healing prayer. Deny all that is unlike God and affirm wisdom, Truth, and Love. We can trust the unseen God, the Father-Mother of us all to guide us to responsible healing.

[1] I Kings 19:12

[2] Matt. 18:3–4

[3] Matt. 5:8

[4] Matt. 5:8 (Brackets added by Mary Baker Eddy)