25/10/2011
The Heart: More Than Just an Organ
In our modern vernacular, the word 'heart' is often synonymous with love, emotion, and affection. We see it etched onto dusty car windows by teenagers, shared as digital emojis between loved ones, and celebrated in songs and poems across cultures. It's a universally understood symbol of our deepest feelings. However, within the rich tapestry of biblical literature, the concept of the 'heart' extends far beyond mere sentimentality. It is presented as the very core of a person's being, the central hub from which all thoughts, emotions, decisions, and intentions originate. This biblical heart is a dynamic entity, capable of being oriented towards God, seeking His presence and striving for obedience, or conversely, rebelling against Him and actively disobeying His will.
Jesus' Insight into the Heart's Source
Jesus Himself articulated this profound understanding of the heart's significance. In a notable encounter with the religious leaders of His time, who were preoccupied with ritualistic purity, particularly the specific washing of hands before eating, Jesus offered a powerful correction. He explained that what truly defiles a person does not come from external sources like unwashed hands, but from within. He stated, "Do you not understand that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled? But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false accusation, slander." This teaching underscores that the heart is the wellspring of our actions, both good and bad, and it is from this internal source that true impurity or purity originates.
The Pursuit of a Pure Heart
Conversely, Jesus also pronounced a profound blessing, known as a beatitude, in His Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." This sentiment echoes an ancient wisdom found in the Old Testament: "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." These passages highlight the immense value placed on an inner purity, a heart that is untainted and rightly aligned with divine purposes. The pursuit of such a heart is not merely a religious ideal; it is presented as the very foundation for a meaningful relationship with God.
God's Omniscient Gaze: The Heart Examiner
The Bible consistently teaches that God possesses an intimate and exhaustive knowledge of the human heart. He is depicted as the ultimate examiner, one who not only sees our outward actions but also penetrates the deepest recesses of our inner being. The prophet Jeremiah, in chapter 17, vividly describes this divine omniscience: "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds." This powerful imagery conveys that God's understanding of us is unparalleled; He scrutinizes our motivations, our hidden desires, and the true intentions behind our behaviour.
The Psalmist David, in Psalm 139, expresses a similar awe and reliance on God's searching knowledge: "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" David's plea is not one of fear, but of humble submission and a desire for divine guidance. He acknowledges his own fallibility and the potential for hidden sin within his heart, inviting God to expose and rectify anything that is not in accordance with His will.
The Transformative Power of a Divine Touch
Given the inherent inclination of the human heart towards what the Bible describes as deceitfulness, sickness, jealousy, covetousness, and violent domination, the concept of God's examination becomes not just an observation, but a prelude to transformation. It is God, the one who thoroughly probes the heart, who alone can purify it. This purification is essential for the realization of Jesus' promise to those who are pure in heart. The repentant David, in Psalm 51, cries out, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me." This prayer is a powerful testament to the understanding that true change originates from a divine intervention, a re-creation of the inner self.
A Comparative Look at the Heart's Nature
| Aspect | Common View | Biblical View |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Seat of emotions, love, sentiment | Core of being: thoughts, emotions, decisions, intentions |
| Source of Action | External influences, personal choice | Internal origin of all actions, both good and evil |
| Condition | Generally good, capable of love | Inclined towards sin, deceitful, in need of purification |
| God's Relationship | Not explicitly defined | God intimately knows, searches, and tests the heart |
| Desirability | Expressing love, feeling deeply | Purity, alignment with God's will |
Seeking Consolation and Strength
For all who sincerely offer such prayers for inner cleansing and renewal, the Apostle Paul offers words of profound consolation and encouragement in the New Testament. He writes, "May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word." This promise assures believers that their sincere desire for a transformed heart is met with divine support. God's grace provides not only eternal encouragement but also the strength needed to live out a life that is pleasing to Him, in both action and speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bible mean by 'heart'?
In the Bible, the 'heart' refers to the innermost part of a person, encompassing their thoughts, emotions, will, intellect, and moral character. It is the central control centre of one's being, dictating their desires and actions.
Can humans purify their own hearts?
The Bible teaches that the human heart is inherently flawed and inclined towards sin. True purification comes from God through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, not from human effort alone.
How does God examine the heart?
God's examination of the heart is an all-knowing, penetrating insight into our deepest thoughts, motives, and intentions. It is a complete and perfect understanding of our inner selves.
What is the consequence of having a pure heart?
According to Jesus' teachings, those who are pure in heart are promised the blessing of "seeing God." This implies a close, intimate relationship and fellowship with the Almighty.
How can I seek a pure heart?
Seeking a pure heart involves sincere prayer, repentance for sins, meditating on God's Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and transformation. It is a continuous process of yielding to God's will.
Conclusion
The biblical understanding of the heart presents a compelling picture of human nature and our relationship with the divine. It moves beyond simple emotional expression to reveal the heart as the seat of our moral and spiritual identity. God's intimate knowledge and His desire to purify our hearts underscore His deep love and His plan for our restoration. By understanding that God searches the heart, we are invited to live lives of authenticity, seeking His cleansing power and embracing the transformative hope that comes from a heart aligned with His will.
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