Written by: Renee Johnson
I would like to share a few of my thoughts based on the scriptures concerning the heart of mankind.
- We are commanded by God to love Him with all of our heart (Matthew 22:37). The Bible has a lot to say about our hearts, as well as the intent and motive of it. We need to first love God, with all of our hearts, emotions, and actions from a pure motive. (I Chronicles 16:10, & Mark 12:30). This is the First Commandment given.
- Some people who consider themselves religious, and often those who are not. They practice deeds to be seen by others, but their hearts are not in what they do or say. They desire to be acknowledged and praised for their works by people, the media, etc. (Mark 7:6-9, & Matthew 6:16-18). But God wants us to be moved by compassion, and love in the deeds we do. He knows when it is genuine (Luke 16:15) and will reward those heartfelt deeds. We see this in many cases when giving to the poor, charities, or are running for government offices, volunteering, etc. (Matthew 6: 1-4).
- Some people rely on outward appearances to determine their spirituality. They believe that the way they are perceived by themselves and others makes them above everyone else. Their hearts are far from what God has taught in His Word (Bible). We see very harsh and strong words about this behavior by our Lord and Savior Jesus in the whole chapter of Mathew chapter 23. (Matthew 23: 25-28).
- It is unfortunate, but true, that the hearts of some are full of evil, murders, envy, hatred, bitterness, jealously, envy, unforgivness etc. This often leads to crime, health problems, divisions, drug abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, divorces, depression, eating disorders, rottenness of the bones, etc. The scriptures tell us that if we keep our heart towards God, pure and with good motives, the benefits can result in good health to our body, Peace, and undisturbed, calm minds, peace with God, and others, etc (Proverbs 14:30 & Proverbs 15:30).
There is hope to turn around a cold, wicked, evil, or hypocritical heart today. The first step is to REPENT. Tell God that you acknowledge the wrong in your heart, and that you wish to change it. (I John 1: 8-9). Second realize that God is Love and He can give you the heart of Love that comes from Him (John 8:12, John 3:16-17). Third, begin daily to think on positive things, forgive others, share God’s goodness, be thankful, stay humble, with gratitude always. God Bless.