Definition: Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from James 4:8 together. It's a really important message about our relationship with God! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying: “Draw nigh to God” : This isn’t just about going near a place. It means turning your attention and focus towards God – seeking Him, praying to Him, and feeling a connection with Him. It's about putting yourself in a position where you are open to His guidance and love. “He will draw nigh to you” : This is the key part! It’s not that you do something to make God come closer; it’s that God is actively working towards you. He’s inviting you into a relationship with Him. “Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye]" : This is where the real work begins. “Sinners” means people who are not completely right before God – they have fallen short of His perfect will. “Cleanse your hands” : This means to wash away your sins, mistakes, or bad thoughts. It's about making yourself free from guilt and shame. “Ye” : This is a plural form of “you,” referring to each individual person. “Purify your hearts” : This means to make your hearts pure – to change your thoughts and feelings towards God. It’s about striving for a right and true relationship with Him, free from negativity and doubt. “Double minded” : This is the most challenging part. "Double-minded" means having conflicting desires or thoughts that aren't aligned with God's will. It suggests you might be struggling with doubts, hesitations, or a lack of faith. Putting it all together: James 4:8 encourages us to actively seek God’s presence and to work on changing our hearts and minds so we can align ourselves with His will. It’s about making a conscious effort to purify ourselves – to stop dwelling on negative thoughts and desires, and to focus on what is good and right. In essence, it's a call to repentance – to turn away from sin and towards God. Why is this important? Think of it like this: If you don’t actively seek God, he doesn’t feel anything for you. But when you do seek Him, He responds! --- Do you want me to: Explain a particular part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this verse might apply to our daily lives? Explore any related themes from the Bible?