The Heart

People differ from one another because of who they are on more than a physical level. Their essence as an individual is caught up in their inner being, sometimes referred to as the heart. The heart, as revealed in Scripture, is more than a complex organ which supplies blood to the rest of the body. The term ‘heart’ was used comprehensively to encompass the seat of emotions, attitude, personal character, and even to an extent moral intellect. Moreover, the heart in this capacity is the center of worship. Therefore, not only are essential character differences between people bound up in the heart, but also the very essence of humanity.

In Scripture, the heart is described as having various capacities. Emotions are said to stem from the heart, as the heart fears, hates, loves, grieves, and rejoices. That the heart receives grace, is faithful and upright, and gives is a demonstration of attitude or personal character.

Although memorization and other thought processes are understood to occur in the brain, Scripture says the heart has the capacity to think, remember, pray, know, believe, and discern. These characteristics intimate some form of intellect. However, this intellect goes beyond mere cranial activity to encompass a moral element.

From this, our will and desires are seen as well. Originally, the heart was created to love and serve God, but had the capacity to turn away from God and serve self. By our very nature we are creatures who worship; we worship what we value, and we place high value on the things we desire. Our hearts, having become corrupt and totally depraved because of the Fall in Adam, desire to serve only ourselves and therefore we are inclined to harden our hearts, turn away from God, and set up idols in order to fulfill our own lusts. Fortunately, God in his grace does not leave us in this state if we heed the call of the gospel, turn to Him, and repent from the heart. Then, the heart can be renewed, and we can begin to love and serve Him with all our heart.