The Art Of A Pure Heart: 20 Simple Habits Of People With Naturally Pure Hearts
Some people are just good, through and through.
Luke Shaffer | Unsplash If you have ever been told you have a pure heart or a heart of gold, you likely have a gift for making people feel loved and accepted. A pure heart is one of the best qualities to have when making your way through life. There are both biblical and real-life implications, so what exactly is a pure heart?
A pure heart has no hidden agendas, is not hypocritical, and holds no ill will toward others. Having a pure heart in your waking life blesses everything you touch. To be known as a genuine, authentic person who has no ulterior motives or hidden intentions makes you a standout among your peers.
People know they can trust you and that you always do your best to avoid treating anyone unkindly or doing the wrong thing. And certain signs indicate that your soul is gold and you're a person with a naturally pure heart.
Here are 20 simple habits of people with naturally pure hearts:
1. They exude positivity
No one has a perfect life. There will always be ups and downs. But people with a pure heart tend to smile more frequently and exude positivity. They don’t allow bad times to drag them down, and instead, show up with warm and welcoming energy.
Findings from a 2012 study found that genuine smiles are linked to specific positive emotions like joy and hope, offering insight into how momentary states can build personal resources, as positive affective traits like hope and optimism have been widely shown to contribute to better outcomes and life success. Frequent smiling is a tool that helps maintain emotional resilience and well-being, even during difficult times.
2. Their generosity has no strings attached
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When you give to people, you do so without expecting to receive anything in return. You give because you really want to see other people happy. You have no ulterior motives other than to bring joy to others.
People with pure hearts understand that true generosity loses its beauty the moment it comes with conditions. When you give freely, without keeping score or waiting for reciprocity, you create a ripple effect of genuine kindness that inspires others to do the same.
3. They're respectful
People of pure heart treat everyone with respect and dignity. They are aware that people come from various backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life, and respect their individual perspectives. People who are kind actively listen when people are talking, and are sure to hear the perspectives of all angles, understanding that everyone should be treated with compassion and outwardly expressing their respect for others through their words and behaviors.
Life coach Mitzi Bockmann suggested that those with genuine respect embrace diversity because they know that what unites us is more powerful than what divides us, caring about other people's lived experiences without discounting anyone else's story, even if it's different from their own worldview.
4. They forgive easily
If your heart is pure, holding a grudge is almost impossible. You try to see other people’s points of view and are always open to a peaceful resolution. Whether they deserve it or not, you are quick to forgive.
They release anger quickly because they refuse to let someone else's mistakes rent space in their mind and heart. This ability to forgive doesn't come from weakness; it stems from emotional strength and the deep understanding that everyone makes mistakes, including themselves.
5. They can’t stay mad
Anger brings negative energy that spreads like a virus. As a person with a pure heart, you never hang on to anger and will bury the hatchet quickly.
Studies demonstrate that people who forgive experience greater mental health indirectly through reduced anger and improved hope for the future. Even just thinking about forgiving an offender has been shown to improve cardiovascular and nervous system function, while holding grudges increases blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension.
6. They see others' happiness as their happiness
You love to see other people happy, whether it's directly from your actions or from something out of your control. You are quick to celebrate the wins of those around you. Lifting and celebrating others is a big source of joy for you.
According to John Kim, LMFT, people who shine are "light," meaning they're self-aware and aware of how their actions, words, and energy impact others. "They don't always make it about them. They pull from the heart instead of the ego," Kim explains.
7. They're helpful
You are willing to do anything within reason to help other people. You often put aside your own needs in order to be of assistance to others, no matter how big or small the task may be.
People with pure hearts are naturally inclined to help others, often going out of their way to offer assistance regardless of the task's size or significance. Studies have revealed that people with higher levels of empathy are more helpful to others, and a positive correlation exists between prosocial behavior and psychological well-being.
8. They're optimistic
You see the glass as half-full, never half-empty. In your mind, everything happens for a reason, and you aim to take the lessons, even when bad things happen.
Your optimism becomes a gift not only to yourself but to everyone around you, as your hopeful perspective has a way of lifting others during their darkest moments. You understand that maintaining a positive outlook is a daily practice, a conscious choice to believe that tomorrow can be better than today, and that even in pain, there's potential for growth and transformation.
9. They're trustworthy
Your word is your bond, and those close to you know they can trust you with their deepest, darkest secrets. You show up when you say you will and do what you promised.
Licensed psychologist Dr. Tanisha M. Ranger explains that being honest while remaining tactful "takes strength and vulnerability and is a sign that the person you're dealing with is someone you can put your trust in." Consistency and reliability in relationships are two of the most important influences on trust because when we keep our commitments and prioritize the people in our lives, they build a sense of security in their connections with us.
10. They're generous
You are not one to covet material things for yourself. If you have anything you can spare for someone in need, you do it without hesitation. After all, a huge part of having a pure heart is finding joy in others' happiness.
You don't calculate what you might receive in return or keep a mental tally of favors owed. The smile on someone's face when they realize you've helped them without expecting anything back is worth more than any possession you could hoard for yourself.
11. They're humble
You never brag about yourself or your accomplishments. You remain thankful and humble for the opportunities you receive. You show gratitude when compliments come your way, but don’t let them go to your head.
Those with pure hearts willingly put aside their own needs to be of service to others, not because they expect anything in return, but because helping comes naturally to them. Studies indicate that altruistic behaviors not only benefit others but also have profound positive effects on the current and future physical and psychological well-being of the person performing the behavior
12. They’re honest
Honesty is one of the most important signs of a pure heart. You are a truth-teller and are prepared to deal with the consequences of your honesty. You are trusted to keep it real and be upfront with people.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Cortney Warren emphasizes that to be authentic, your thoughts, words, feelings, and actions should match. People will appreciate your honesty, and you'll feel more grounded when your internal world matches your external behavior.
13. They're non-judgmental
You don’t jump to conclusions about people and reserve your opinions until you get to know them. Even when others try to push their opinions about someone onto you, you reserve judgment and form your own conclusions.
Research on actively open-minded thinking shows that this cognitive disposition involves the willingness to consider alternative opinions, sensitivity to evidence contradictory to current beliefs, and the willingness to postpone closure before making judgments. By withholding judgment and forming independent opinions, you create space for authentic understanding and genuine connection with others.
14. They're accountable
You accept responsibility for your actions. Admitting when you are wrong and working to make amends is a sign that your heart is pure.
When you can own your missteps without defensiveness, apologize sincerely, and take concrete steps to repair any harm you've caused, you demonstrate a level of emotional maturity and self-awareness that's truly rare. Pure-hearted people understand that admitting fault strengthens their character and deepens the trust others have in them.
15. They have emotional intelligence
You empathize with others. You know how to put yourself in their shoes and understand how they may be feeling. This is a signal that you have a heart of gold. If putting yourself in another's shoes is your superpower, you'll naturally have a lot of emotional understanding for others and what they may be going through.
Kendra Cherry, a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, explained that "the ability to feel empathy allows people to 'walk a mile in another's shoes,' so to speak. It permits people to understand the emotions that others are feeling."
16. They're resilient
You are able to face any challenge that comes your way, never backing down or giving up. Instead, your resilience allows you to weather the storm. You don't view these problems as a roadblock; rather, you use them as an opportunity to grow.
You bounce back from heartbreak, learn from failures, and emerge from trials with your spirit intact and your compassion deepened. Your resilience inspires others to keep going when they want to give up, showing them that a pure heart bends, adapts, and ultimately becomes stronger.
17. They're an excellent listener
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Because of your pure heart, you can listen to others without judgment. You don't just hear what they are saying — you understand their feelings, and make it a point to stay fully present.
When listeners demonstrate these qualities, they create an environment where speakers feel genuinely heard and valued. Studies show that when people experience high-quality listening that is attentive, empathic, and nonjudgmental, they experience higher levels of autonomy, relatedness, and self-esteem.
18. They have a child-like energy
No matter how old you get, you always tend to have vibrant energy. There is an innocence about you and an unending wonder you have about the world. You are curious and find joy in life's simple pleasures, spreading that same positive light to others.
Adults who engage with childlike activities help themselves navigate stress and sadness by deepening their sense of curiosity, peace, and life purpose. As psychologist Dr. Jennice Vilhauer explains, when someone has genuine curiosity and engagement with the world around them, it demonstrates they're invested in life's experiences.
19. They think before they speak
You take the time to think about your words before opening your mouth, as you know the impact words can have. You aim to communicate with empathy and compassion, and wish to uplift people, not bring them down. It means you have a strong understanding of how your actions affect others.
According to neuroscientist Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson University and communications expert Mark Robert Waldman, "a single word has the power to influence the expression of genes that regulate physical and emotional stress." Neurotransmitters in the human brain are released during the processing of emotional content in language, with positive, negative, or neutral words modulating neurotransmitter release in distinct patterns tied to emotional tone.
20. They have a good sense of humor
A big sign of a pure heart is having a sense of humor. You spread the joy of laughter to everyone you know and use your humor as a way to connect on a deep, human level. Your humor also helps you navigate difficult circumstances.
This kind of humor is inclusive and warm, never cruel or cutting. It's the ability to find something to smile about even on the hardest days, to see the silver lining wrapped in comedy, and to remind others that joy exists even in imperfect moments.
NyRee Ausler is a writer from Seattle, Washington, and the author of seven books. She focuses on lifestyle and human interest stories that deliver informative and actionable guidance on interpersonal relationships, enlightenment, and self-discovery.
