Kimberly DabneyComment

Purity The Journey Back To God

Kimberly DabneyComment
Purity The Journey Back To God

One of the best lessons I have learned during my single season is the importance of not rushing or trying to circumvent the process. Purity generally refers to the state or quality of being clean, uncontaminated, or free from impurities. It can relate to various aspects such as physical substances, moral character, or the absence of foreign elements or adulterants in something.

The concept of purity is often subjective and can differ depending on the context in which it's used. Slow and steady wins the race when journeying on the road to become pure and find love. It’s nice to be pursued, sought after, checked on, dated, desired, loved, valued, appreciated, cherished and treated well. However, it’s extremely important to vet people during the dating process. Move slowly and avoid automatically following your emotions jumping in heart first with someone you just met. It takes time to really get to know who people are at their core behind closed doors outside of the public eye. There is nothing wrong with casually dating and falling in love but the process of finding it should not be rushed or taken lightly. The chemistry may be strong, the vibes are nice and you might possibly even enjoy how their energy makes you feel but that doesn’t automatically mean a person is the right one for you. 

I said all this to say move at God’s speed and follow his pace rather than running into love based on your own fleshly desires which may be rooted in sin. Take your time. Do not rush into love by opening your heart to soon. Patience is truly a virtue. It is very important you ask questions and do your due diligence in paying attention to the things a person isn’t saying when you’re dating and vetting people. An individual may appear and present to be a good person but that doesn’t automatically mean they’re good for you. If someone tries to pressure and rush you into a relationships or anything you’re not comfortable with before you’re ready put your guards up immediately.  It is perfectly ok for you to pump the brakes and slow down the pace. Take a step back, have a conversation to inform the other person the dating process is moving faster than you are ready for. It is equally important to communicate your boundaries, the tone , pace and direction you desire to see the friendship, dating ship or relationship to move. Doing so will help you avoid getting into an entanglement or situationship.

Setting boundaries and not having unrealistic expectations too early on will save you from wasting your time and lessen the chances of you enduring heart ache later on. Dating is a good thing. One key to being successful Christian dater is to not be anxious or thirsty for love, make sure you vet people well, pay attention to red flags and pump the brakes as you see fit. Be open to receive love but don’t accept the first thing that come because it may not be what you want. Take your time. When the love is pure it will flow and take its course naturally.

If you want something different you have to do something different. Being set apart and kept is the new sexy in my opinion. It’s something special about being different, beautiful and wanted by many but only giving attention to the right one. Love is beautiful when you fall in love with someone who you can find a million different ways to love and fall in love over and over again for a lifetime.

There is nothing wrong with choosing to preserve your body and put your heart on reserve to find yourself again. Take time to learn yourself again. Get back to celebrating and loving on yourself. The best part about enjoying your singleness is you’ll know exactly what you do and don’t desire from your partner in the future. You don’t have to wait for a man to do anything for you. Learn how to treat, take care of and love yourself well. Doing so will set you apart and Mr. Right will know he has to come correct when stepping to you. You can’t expect a man to give you more than you’re willing to give and do the yourself. Whoever said you couldn’t be content and happy in your singleness was not speaking the truth. Singleness is not curse. It is a blessing when you focus on building your relationship with God, developing yourself and There is peace in Christ Jesus.

Being pure in a religious or spiritual context, particularly in relation to God, often signifies a state of moral, spiritual, and ethical cleanliness or innocence. It involves having a sincere and genuine heart, free from deceit, malice, or impurities. This purity of heart and intention is often associated with qualities like honesty, kindness, humility, and a deep connection or devotion to divine principles or beliefs. It's a state of being aligned with one's faith and living in accordance with its teachings.

In Christian faith, purity encompasses several aspects:

1. Moral and Ethical Purity: This involves living a life in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ, following moral principles such as love, kindness, forgiveness, honesty, and selflessness.

2. Purity of Heart and Intentions: It emphasizes having a sincere, genuine, and humble heart, free from deceit, malice, or impure desires. It involves seeking righteousness and having a deep connection with God.

3. Sexual Purity: In the Christian context, this typically refers to abstaining from sexual immorality, maintaining chastity before marriage, and faithfulness within the bounds of marriage.

4. Purity in Speech and Actions: It involves refraining from dishonesty, gossip, harmful speech, and engaging in behaviors that contradict Christian values.

Overall, purity in Christian faith revolves around holiness, righteousness, and a commitment to living a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ, both in actions and in the purity of heart and intentions.

Being "holy" refers to a state of being set apart or dedicated to God or a divine purpose. In religious contexts, holiness often signifies purity, moral integrity, and spiritual sanctity. It involves living in accordance with divine principles or moral standards, being morally upright, and striving for a life that reflects the qualities and attributes associated with the divine or sacred. Holy individuals are seen as being consecrated or dedicated to a higher purpose, often exemplifying virtues like righteousness, goodness, and adherence to spiritual principles.

Righteousness in the context of God refers to the quality or state of being morally right or just. It involves conforming to God's divine laws, standards, and principles. In religious and theological terms, righteousness implies living a life in accordance with God's will, following moral and ethical guidelines, and exhibiting integrity, fairness, and justice in one's actions, thoughts, and conduct. In Christianity, righteousness often involves a combination of faith in God, adherence to His teachings, and living a life that reflects moral uprightness and obedience to His commands.

To pursue purity means actively striving to attain a state or quality of being clean, untainted, or free from impurities. It involves a deliberate effort to maintain moral, ethical, or spiritual integrity by avoiding actions, thoughts, or behaviors that might compromise that purity. Pursuing purity can include making conscious choices to live in alignment with one's values, seeking to eliminate negativity or harmful influences, and continuously working towards personal growth and improvement in various aspects of life to achieve a state of greater clarity, integrity, and goodness.

Here are five steps that can contribute to living a pure and healthy life:

1. Balanced Nutrition: Eating a well-rounded, nutritious diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This helps maintain a healthy weight, supports bodily functions, and boosts overall well-being.

2. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, boosts mood, strengthens muscles and bones, and helps manage stress. Finding an exercise routine that suits your lifestyle and interests is key to staying active.

3. Adequate Rest and Sleep: Getting sufficient rest and quality sleep is crucial for overall health. It allows the body to recharge, supports cognitive function, and contributes to better emotional well-being.

4. Mindfulness and Stress Management: Practicing mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage stress levels. Stress reduction techniques contribute to a healthier mind and body.

5. Healthy Relationships and Boundaries: Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive relationships can significantly impact your mental and emotional health. Setting boundaries and fostering healthy connections with others contribute to a more fulfilling life. These steps contribute not only to physical health but also to mental and emotional well-being, forming the basis for a more pure and healthy lifestyle.

Living a holy life involves spiritual dedication and adherence to moral and ethical principles. Here are three steps that can help:

1. Deepening Spiritual Connection: Cultivate a strong spiritual life through prayer, meditation, studying sacred texts, and participating in religious practices that align with your beliefs. Building a deeper connection with the divine helps in understanding and following the principles of holiness.

2. Practice Virtuous Living: Strive to embody virtues such as love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and righteousness in your daily actions and interactions. Actively applying these virtues in your life aligns your behavior with the values taught by your faith.

3. Seeking Alignment with Divine Will: Continuously seek to align your will with what you perceive as the will of God or a higher power. This involves making choices and decisions that reflect your commitment to live in accordance with the teachings and principles of your faith. These steps help individuals on their journey towards living a holy life by fostering spiritual growth, ethical behavior, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Take a moment to pray the following prayer that aligns with the desire to live a pure, holy, faith-filled, and righteous life:

"Father God, I come before you seeking guidance and strength to live a life that reflects purity, holiness, faith, and righteousness. Help me cleanse my heart, mind, and soul from all impurities and distractions that may lead me astray. Grant me the wisdom to discern right from wrong and the courage to choose the path of righteousness in all my actions and decisions. May my thoughts be pure, my words be kind, and my actions be guided by love and compassion.

Fill me with faith to trust in your divine plan and surrender to your will. Help me deepen my connection with you through prayer, meditation, and studying your teachings, so that I may grow spiritually and live a life that glorifies you. Grant me the strength to overcome temptations and the humility to seek forgiveness when I fall short. May my life be a testament to your grace and mercy. I surrender myself to your divine guidance, trusting that you will lead me towards a life of purity, holiness, faith, and righteousness.

In Jesus holy name, Amen."

Here are some affirmations that can help reinforce the desire to live a pure and holy life:

1. I am dedicated to living a life of purity and holiness in thought, word, and action.

2. My heart is pure, and my intentions are aligned with divine goodness and righteousness. 

3. I choose to surround myself with positivity, love, and compassion, reflecting the purity of my soul.

4. I am committed to seeking spiritual growth and deepening my connection with the divine every day.

5. I attract and embody virtues such as kindness, forgiveness, humility, and integrity in all aspects of my life.

6. My faith guides my decisions and actions, leading me to a life filled with purpose and righteousness.

7. I am grateful for the opportunity to honor God through a life of purity, faith, and devotion.

8. I release all negativity and impurities, allowing divine light to guide me towards a holy and fulfilling life.

9. My thoughts, words, and deeds reflect the goodness and grace of God, shining as an example of purity to others.

10. I embrace God's love and guidance, allowing it to transform me into a vessel of purity, faith, and righteousness.

Repeating these affirmations regularly can reinforce a positive mindset and help in striving towards living a life characterized by purity, holiness, and faithfulness. Embarking on a journey towards purity is a courageous and admirable decision. Here are some words of encouragement for your journey:

1. Stay Committed: Remember that every step you take towards purity, no matter how small, is significant. Stay committed to your goals, and don't be discouraged by setbacks or challenges along the way.

2. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate every milestone and progress you make on your journey. Each step forward, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is a testament to your determination and dedication.

3. Be Kind to Yourself: Understand that the path to purity might have its ups and downs. Be compassionate towards yourself during moments of struggle or when you feel you've faltered. Self-compassion is essential in maintaining motivation and resilience.

4. Surround Yourself Positively: Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who uplift and encourage you on your journey. Positive influences can help reinforce your commitment and inspire you to stay focused.

5. Seek Guidance and Inspiration: Look to sources of inspiration—whether through prayer, reading spiritual texts, or seeking guidance from mentors or role models who have walked similar paths. Their wisdom and experiences can be invaluable.

6. Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the progress you've made and for the strength and determination you possess. Gratitude helps maintain a positive mindset and fuels your journey forward.

7. Stay Hopeful: Even if the journey seems challenging at times, remember that every effort towards purity brings you closer to your goal. Keep hope alive, trust in your capabilities, and believe in the positive changes you're making in your life.

Embracing the journey towards purity requires patience, dedication, and self-compassion. Celebrate your commitment to personal growth and cherish the transformation taking place within you. You're taking important steps towards a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Here are five Bible verses you can meditate on which emphasize the importance of purity of heart, mind, body, and conduct in the eyes of God and in living a faithful life.

1. Matthew 5:8 (NIV): Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

2. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV): "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity."

3. Psalm 51:10 (NIV): "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

4. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NIV): "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

5. Philippians 4:8 (NIV): "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."