Reflections on Nurturing the Heart

Just as a garden requires consistent care, our hearts need intentional attention. Neglect can lead to the growth of unwanted “weeds” and “thorns” in our lives, distractions that pull us away from God’s will. A garden has to be maintained by tilling, pruning, removing unwanted weeds, watering, and feeding it with fertilizers.

Reflecting on our hearts involves pruning away anything that doesn’t align with God’s purpose. It’s like tilling the soil to remove roots that hinder growth: the cares of life that eventually take priority over God’s plan. Regular self-examination helps us stay aligned with God’s plan.

In the same way as a garden needs nourishment, our hearts thrive when fed with the Word of God. Reading, hearing, meditating, studying, and applying Scripture provide the spiritual nutrients necessary for growth.

Hebrews 4:12 beautifully describes the Word of God as living and active. It penetrates deep within us, discerning our innermost thoughts and attitudes. It’s sharper than any earthly sword. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the Heart.”

God sees beyond our external actions. There are no hidden matters: Even what we think is hidden eventually becomes evident. Authenticity matters, as our hearts impact our behavior over time and as our actions and attitudes change and draw us away from God.

Harboring anything contrary to God’s will hardens our hearts. To overcome, we must continually examine our hearts, address unforgiveness, and seek transformation or eventually we will no longer be receptive to the Word of God

How do we overcome? As Christians, prayer, hearing God’s Word, studying the Word, internalizing it, and applying it are vital. Our faith isn’t theoretical—it’s practical and lived out daily. 2 Timothy 2:15 says “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.”

And finally on the question of the greatest commandment: Jesus emphasized loving God wholeheartedly. Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment.”  It’s the foundation for everything else. When our hearts are aligned with love for God, our actions follow suit.

May we tend to our hearts like diligent gardeners, nurturing them with God’s truth and love.