Words of Encouragement

Today's Verse

from the New Living Translation

"God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.…

"'You have heard that our ancestors were told, "You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment." But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

"'So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

Matthew 5:8, 21-24
view in context

encouragement for today

Sin begins in the heart, Jesus says. In our hearts, we either love or hate a brother or sister. In our hearts, we look down on others and murder their character. Guard your heart, confess any sin lurking there, even if you never acted on it. It's a tough thing to do, which is why Jesus died for us. If you trust in him, you then possess his power to have a pure heart that only desires the things of God. Only Jesus had a truly pure heart.

—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

http://www.christianitytoday.com/lyris/encouragingwords/archives/01-26-2011.html