But where’s the heart?!

Are we too quick to judge? Too slow? Are we too quick to say ‘you are wrong’? Too slow? What is our source of criticism… or is it condemnation? Do we stop and try to understand the what and Why the other person is trying to do or say? Or criticize them by our standards, our MO only? Do we ask questions in seeking understanding? Is there any possibility that WE could be in error? And most important- do we speak our truth in love? Are we seeking reconciliation and restoration when the issue is relationship?

I would recommend that we never head into reconciliation without first making certain we have the Word’s standards as foundation. Have you taken the time to look into the Word as to the ‘methodology’ of restoration? Now the point. How did the Father go about restoring our relationship? Did we first have to do

something? No… unless you count our accepting His gift [restoration] and condition [accepting Jesus as Lord and the only path to reconciliation]. Remember the song, “I Come”? … maybe I have the title wrong but I think all of us recognize the thought.

The thought that really is incredible is that the Son and the Father before those first words in Genesis (In the beginning God created…) were uttered had already accepted the only path (Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection) for the Father’s creation - us. Now consider how we go about reconciling and restoring broken relationships. Do we need to make certain the other person knows that we are extending our hand (martyrish?)  Do we place our conditions first before any moving forward? And do we subtly demand an apology? Is our heart ever the driving force?

If any words on our by us or any actions occur, we really need to check our hearts as to our motivations/intentions. What actions demonstrate our words? And where do our words come from... our hearts?

   "Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip."
Proverbs 4:23-24

   "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right and steadfast spirit within me."
Psalms 51:10

These are 2 of the most recognizable scriptures about the heart. There are over 57 different verses that speak to what the heart is and does.

   "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Matthew 7:34b 

All these scriptures reinforce the point that WE need to know where our heart is and how it is leading. And will we submit our minds to the leading of our heart? Sometimes our head doesn't filter our best selves. But do we know what the heart is. Ligonier.org says:

   "Put simply, the heart in Scripture conveys the totality of our inner self. We are governed from this one point of unity. From it “flow the springs of life” (Prov. 4:23). It is the control center—the source of every thought, the seat of every passion, and the arbiter of every decision. All of it is generated from and governed by this one point of undivided unity. That is why everything vital to the Christian life—your speech, repentance, faith, service, obedience, worship, walk, and love —must be done with “all your heart”

What a powerful definition... and conception... And it explains where the heart is and what it does (or should do). And this is not the easiest methodology for us to practice. But it is the truest. Never simply equate the heart with emotions. Not what it is ... or can do.