A Woman to Woman Article
Purity
God frequently tests me to see how I will react to persecution. He allows Satan to orchestrate that persecution to see if I truly will love my enemies and those who persecute me.
The most difficult persecution is when it comes from within your own home. Be ready! It will happen to test those God is calling and choosing. It is important to pray daily for God’s strength to handle any situation that may come up.
Jesus lived to do good to everyone, even His enemies, and we should too (Matt. 5:44). Jesus Christ didn’t complain when they crucified Him. He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34; 1 Peter 4:13). Every time my nature even begins to take offense, I say, “Father, forgive them; because they do not know what they are doing.” There isn’t time to be offended. Every precious minute must be happy and filled with thoughts of God’s Will and Ways, and God’s love for others.
I must keep a pure heart and mind at all times. If I have done my best for God, I will say as Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God (Matt. 5:8). I will remember that to the pure, all things are pure (Titus 1:15).
Let’s practice righteousness by practicing purity in our thoughts and actions. We must be strong with God’s strength and keep God’s Ways and God’s Will uppermost in our minds. If we keep clean hands and a pure heart, we will receive God’s blessings (Psalm 24:4-5). If we remain sensible and pure, the word of God will not be dishonored (Titus 2:5). Philippians 4:8 reminds us all inclusively, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.”