Moderator
Staff Member
So He said to them, "You are the ones who declare yourselves just and upright in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts [your thoughts, your desires, your secrets]; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 AMP
The idea that “God knows hearts” can be either frightening or comforting. You choose.
If, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, you think your relationship with God is all about power, prestige, and putting others down, be afraid. Be very afraid. That is not at all what faith in Christ means or leads to.
But if you take Jesus’ teaching seriously—if you honestly and humbly seek His strength to live up to His principles, however imperfectly—you can take heart in the knowledge that God recognizes and rewards such pursuits. You’ll be part of the crowd the apostle Paul described to Timothy: “Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
God already knows your heart. What would you like Him to find there?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want a pure heart, one that consistently pursues Jesus and pleases You.
The idea that “God knows hearts” can be either frightening or comforting. You choose.
If, like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day, you think your relationship with God is all about power, prestige, and putting others down, be afraid. Be very afraid. That is not at all what faith in Christ means or leads to.
But if you take Jesus’ teaching seriously—if you honestly and humbly seek His strength to live up to His principles, however imperfectly—you can take heart in the knowledge that God recognizes and rewards such pursuits. You’ll be part of the crowd the apostle Paul described to Timothy: “Shun youthful lusts and flee from them, and aim at and pursue righteousness (all that is virtuous and good, right living, conformity to the will of God in thought, word, and deed); [and aim at and pursue] faith, love, [and] peace (harmony and concord with others) in fellowship with all [Christians], who call upon the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
God already knows your heart. What would you like Him to find there?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want a pure heart, one that consistently pursues Jesus and pleases You.