1 Peter 1:22b: Love one another deeply from the heart (NIV)

As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that we are to love one another.

Jesus said in John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.

Love is central to our lives as servants of Jesus.

But, are you aware that the heart is also central to our walk with Jesus, and each other?

Love one another deeply from the heart.  1 Peter 1:22b

If you do a Bible word search, you will find that the subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic.

We are admonished in Proverbs 4:23:

Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of your life. (NIV)

The NLT Version says it this way:

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

According to Scripture:

Our hearts can be troubled, wounded, pierced, grieved – even broken.

Our hearts can be cheerful, glad, merry, joyful and rejoicing.

Our hearts can be whole or divided.

Our hearts can be wise or foolish.

Our hearts can be steadfast, true, upright, stout and valiant.

Our hearts can be frightened, faint, and cowardly and can melt like wax.

Our hearts can be wandering, dull, stubborn, proud, hardened, wicked and perverse.

Our hearts can be faithful, pure and noble.

So my question to you dear sisters and brothers in Christ – are we guarding our heart above all else? Do we as the body of Christ, the church, really love one another deeply from our hearts?  Does our love for one another let everyone know that we are disciples of Jesus?  With sorrow in my heart, I would have to say no. 

But, we can change that!  How? By starting to see through the eyes of our heart.

Where is your heart?