Maintaining a pure heart is included in the principles of Christian living. One's life shows goodness or evil from the inside.
The "heart" not only refers to the organ but also thoughts and motives. It determines one's character and preferences. "Heart" is like a boat. The boat can move smoothly on the sea when a person is in control. One does good things out of the heart. Likewise, evil things come from an evil heart.
Christians need to guard the heart and have good thoughts. The Bible claims, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23) Guard your heart by reading God's word.
Below are ten Bible passages on the heart:
Psalm 18:25-26 To the faithful you show yourself faithful,
to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
to the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
Ephesians 4:17 So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.
Proverbs 16:32 Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.
1 Peter 3:16 Keep a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
1 Peter 3:4 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
Proverbs 1:33 "But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
- Translated by Karen Luo
