Jesus…at Home in Your Heart预览

Now with your firm foundation set on the Word of God and prayer, let’s focus on cleanliness. I absolutely love a sparkling clean home, but I am quick to admit that I despise the process of cleaning my home. I would much rather read a good book than force myself to dust. I would choose to go for a much-loved walk in God’s creation rather than unload that dreaded dishwasher. I love the smell of a clean home, the satisfaction of an uncluttered space, and the sparkle of dust-free furniture. I just don’t want to be involved in the process required to procure the results!

Cultivating a clean heart is much like housework. One must understand the value of an uncluttered, sparkling clean heart in order to appreciate the process. I really don’t want a heart that is filled with yesterday’s baggage, putrid bitterness, or trash bags of unforgiveness, do you? An orderly, fresh heart is the finest place to live one’s life. So let’s get to it!

Forgiveness is the serious business of Christianity; it is not to be ignored. Grace is not cheap, and you must always remember that Jesus paid an enormously high price for you, which, in turn, requires you to forgive everyone all the time! Forgiveness is one of the most important tenets of Christianity – it demands that we, as His children, refuse to hold grudges against others who are made in the image of God.

Forgiveness always precedes trust, but trust often does not follow forgiveness. You can forgive someone without then trusting their behavior or choices. We are not a bitter people, and we certainly should never look for the opportunity to seek revenge. We obey God, we forgive, we bless those who have hurt us, and we pray for our enemies! It is part of the process of housecleaning our hearts. Giving grace to someone who has rejected or even betrayed you results in an amazing and sweet aroma that surrounds the atmosphere of your heart.

Heart Inspection:

Is residual bitterness cluttering your heart?

Who do you need to forgive?

What is your definition of “forgiveness”?

Heartfelt Prayer:

Jesus, I am ready to clean out the corners of my heart. I am ready to forgive others just as You have forgiven me. Thank You, Father, for Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.