The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” – Jeremiah 17:9
The Nature of Our Heart
When we speak of thinking with our heart, we acknowledge the powerful role our emotions and intentions play in our decision-making. The Bible teaches us that the heart is the core of our being. It is where our desires, dreams, and thoughts intertwine. By focusing on our hearts, we can align our intentions with God’s will, ensuring that we approach life with authenticity and purpose. It is essential for us to regularly evaluate our hearts to ensure that our thoughts are pure and aligned with the teachings of Christ. In essence, we should strive to cultivate a heart that reflects the love of God and seeks righteousness in all we do.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10
Romans 10:10
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” – Romans 10:10
1 Samuel 16:7
“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.'” – 1 Samuel 16:7
The Inner Voice of Our Heart
Our heart often serves as our internal compass, guiding us toward decisions that align with our faith. As we think with our hearts, we are called to listen closely to what our hearts convey. The Bible is very clear that the inner workings of our heart should reflect God’s truth. Knowing that our heart can inspire us to act, we should take our heart’s lead with humility and prayer, asking God for wisdom. It is through this process that we can make choices that honor Him and foster spiritual growth. Let’s remember that our true intentions, shaped by our heart, will lead us to genuine actions based on faith.
Matthew 12:34
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Matthew 12:34
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” – James 1:19
Ephesians 4:23
“To be made new in the attitude of your minds.” – Ephesians 4:23
The Heart and Our Relationships
As we think with our hearts, we must remember that our relationships with others are deeply impacted by our heartfelt intentions. The Bible encourages us to approach our relationships with love and compassion, ensuring that our thoughts reflect kindness and empathy. When we allow our hearts to guide us in how we treat others, we foster connections that are meaningful and reflect Christ’s love. It challenges us to be genuine in our dealings, reminding us that our hearts can influence the well-being of those around us. When we think with our hearts, not only do we heal ourselves, but we can also uplift others.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
The Heart’s Role in Faith
Faith begins in our heart, where belief and trust are rooted. The Bible emphasizes that when we think with our hearts, we tap into a profound faith that influences our worldview. This heart-driven faith calls us to not only trust in God but also to recognize the importance of our spiritual journey. By nurturing our hearts, we grow closer to God and develop a deeper understanding of His purpose for our lives. Each time we lean into our hearts, we draw nearer to Him, forming a relationship based on unwavering trust and love. Faith invites us to embrace vulnerability as we allow our hearts to lead us to a more profound connection with the Almighty.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
1 Peter 1:8
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” – 1 Peter 1:8
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Heart, Wisdom, and Discernment
The ability to think with our heart is also tied directly to wisdom and discernment. When we align our hearts with God’s teachings, we cultivate a mindset that embraces His wisdom. This journey asks us not only to think but also to understand the weight our thoughts carry. The Bible encourages us to seek guidance from our hearts, to discern right from wrong, and to make choices that please God. As we develop this wisdom, we can walk confidently in faith, knowing that our decisions reflect a heart filled with constructive intentions. Embracing wisdom allows us to act in ways that uplift our spirits and those of others.
Proverbs 2:6
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
Transforming Our Heart
Transforming our hearts is a vital aspect of our spiritual life. The Bible urges us to renew our hearts, as they directly affect our thoughts, actions, and relationships. When we consciously choose to think with our hearts, it leads to a transformation that blossoms throughout our lives. Our thoughts become more aligned with God’s love, grace, and purpose. Transformation requires us to commit ourselves fully to God, allowing Him to mold our hearts and thoughts to reflect His nature. Through this process, we experience growth in faith and a legacy of love and kindness towards others, making our hearts the center of all we do.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Ezekiel 36:26
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26
Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what thinking with our hearts means, we see that our hearts hold great power in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and relationships. From nurturing love within our families to pursuing wisdom through faith, our hearts guide us in every aspect of our lives. It’s important for us to guard our hearts, seek transformation, and rely on God for wisdom. In doing so, we can develop a heart that reflects His love and grace.
We can embrace the call to love others deeply, navigate challenges with confidence, and pursue our dreams while staying true to our faith. Our hearts are not just vessels of emotion; they are meant to connect us to the divine and to each other. Let our hearts lead us toward lives filled with purpose, joy, and service. To further enrich our understanding, you might explore topics like desires of your heart or the conscience.
God bless us as we walk in faith and think with our hearts.