Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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BODY AND LIFE THAT NEED TO BE KEPT IN PURITY

Bible Reading: St. Luke 6:39 – 45

Key verse:  "Or how can you say to your neighbour, ‘Friend, let me take out the speck in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor's eye." – Luke 6:42

DEVOTION

Purity is a subject that often stirs debate. While many agree it is valuable, the way we understand and apply it can be deeply divided. It is common to see people obsess over external cleanliness—keeping their homes spotless—yet show little concern for public spaces like roads, unless threatened with fines. This inconsistency highlights a broader issue: we value surface purity more than inward transformation.
In the time of Jesus, purity was also a divisive issue. Social, religious, and moral boundaries were drawn based on who was considered "clean" or "unclean." But Jesus, as always, redirects our focus—not toward condemning others, but toward examining ourselves.
Jesus redefines purity not as outward ritual or moral superiority, but as honest self-awareness. He says, "First take the log out of your own eye" (v. 42). In other words, real purity begins not with pointing fingers but with humble introspection. It is to purify ourselves without polluting others with judgment, gossip, or hypocrisy.
Indeed, Jesus warns against becoming like "whitewashed tombs"—appearing clean and holy on the outside while decaying within (cf. Matthew 23:27). In this light, we realize that maintaining the purity of the body—our behavior, appearance, and moral decisions—is important, but maintaining the purity of life—our inner motives, desires, thoughts, and relationships—is far more challenging and crucial.
The person whose heart is clean will speak clean words, make pure decisions, and produce good fruit (vv. 43–45). Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What’s inside will always find its way out.

PRAYER

Gracious God, Cleanse my heart and renew my spirit. Help me to see clearly, not to judge others, but to walk in humility and truth. Purify my thoughts, my words, and my actions,
so that my life may bear good fruit and reflect Your love to those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“To be pure, to remain pure, can only come at a price, the price of knowing God and loving him enough to do his will. He will always give us the strength we need to keep purity as something as beautiful for him.” - Mother Teresa

Rev. Sobin Abraham Jose
Vicar
Salem Mar Thoma Church, Nooranad 
Hebron Mar Thoma Church, Panayil

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