Embracing Inner Purity: The Path to True Love and Unity (02/05/'24)

Embracing Inner Purity: The Path to True Love and Unity A person who embraces humility and patience in dealing with others demonstrates a profound appreciation for purity. This purity involves understanding the nature of impurity, recognizing the inherent worth and purity even in what seems unclean. Jesus exemplified this by willingly associating with sinners and outcasts, illustrating that true cleanliness encompasses both the recognition of filth and the presence of sanctity. This act underlines that real love and understanding extend beyond superficial judgments, reaching into the depth of accepting and loving oneself, others, and God. When one is unjust or unfair, it not only hinders self-love but also obstructs the capacity to love God and one’s neighbors. The essence of the Gospel shines brightest when we earnestly seek to embody the spirit of Jesus, embracing the divine image within our humanity. Understanding Jesus' teachings compels us to live out the Gospel's transformative power in our lives, promising rejuvenation even to what was once considered lost. Ephesians 4:1-3 urges us to live lives worthy of our calling, marked by tolerance, love, and a commitment to unity and peace. Jesus critiqued the religious leaders of his time for their focus on external purity while neglecting the internal (Matthew 23:25-28). He likened them to whitewashed tombs—appealing on the outside but filled with decay inside, highlighting the importance of inner transformation over outward appearances. Similarly, in Matthew 7:5, Jesus advises us to first address our own faults before correcting others, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and correction in our spiritual journey. If we recognize our own unfairness, we are called to repent and seek reconciliation, acknowledging the justice of God. This journey towards purity and love demands an inward cleansing that reflects outwardly, enabling us to live authentically in the light of God’s truth and love. -Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 5, 2024)