The State of Your Heart
 

The State of Your Heart
by Max Lucado

Luke 6:45 says, “. . .out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” That is why the state of the heart is so critical. So what’s the state of your heart?

When your to-do list is too long, do you lose your cool or keep it? Well, that depends on the state of your heart. When you’re offered gossip marinated in slander, do you turn it down or pass it on? That depends on the state of your heart. Do you see the bag lady as a burden on society or as an opportunity for God? That too depends on the state of your heart.

No wonder the wise man in Proverbs begs, “Above all else, guard your heart” (Proverbs 4:23). David’s prayer should be ours: “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10).

And Jesus’ statement rings true, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).

From The Applause of Heaven

My family was never very demonstrative, and love was seldom spoken or shown. That was my perspective, and when I think on it, the love was there, yet I grew up not loving myself. If you don't have it, you can't show it.

One of the greatest moments in recovery was my aunt and my sister coming to me and asking for one of my hugs.

God is Love. If you don't let Him into your life, you shut the love out.