The Hidden Man of The Heart is where Jesus looks…
The Lord looks inside our hearts – He knows that the heart can be deceitful even when we have no intentions thereof. No, we are not living with that intention, and we do not mean to be deceitful. However, the hidden man of the heart is where Jesus looks, knows, and is aware of our weaknesses. This is where we may need to pray for God’s help and deliverance.
” But, let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” (1 Peter 3:4, KJV)
Is it safe to say that most of us have often needed to remember that we must watch what we think about, not only what we say, and how we act or react? If we think of things that are not acceptable to the Lord, that can bring sin into our life, and hurt our plan to live a more righteous life. Our hearts hurt for different reasons, but we must not let those things bring about deceit.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Jeremiah 17: 9-10
We cannot think, or hold in our hearts the hurt that we feel has been directed toward us. It is then necessary for us to reach for more wisdom, grace, and virtue while remembering that Jesus knows the intent of everyone’s heart.
When we feel we have been wronged, one way or another, the Bible gives directions on how to handle these types of offenses. If we pull away from the Lord and try to handle things ourselves, He will pull away from us.
When Offenses Come
Most of us have said or done something that seemed improper to another soul. Were our actions in line with how God would handle a situation? Do we hold something in our hearts that we cannot forgive? Did we mean what was said or done the way it should have been said or done? Was that exactly how we planned our actions or words to be taken by another soul? Did we with intention try to hurt or offend another soul, or did we just “do it our way, not caring about how it was interrupted?”
“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” Romans 14:13
“Words are powerful, however, actions often speak louder than words.”
When we become offended because of someone’s words or actions, we should try to understand their intent. If something false has been believed or said, there are ways to correct the falsehood. One way is to simply speak the truth in all situations. Regardless of who is involved.
The truth may hurt for the present time, however, the truth is what sets us free from condemnation. When the truth is spoken, it is easier to forgive. If we reach heaven, we must forgive all offenses, whether they were meant to be or not. When and if we cannot forgive someone and get over it, above it, or beyond it; we cannot expect the Lord’s forgiveness. Mark 11:25
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” Matthew 18:15
It seems unfair sometimes because people look at others and place judgment on what they did, or what they said without considering the questions above. Seemingly they forget that Jesus looks at our spirit, our meekness, our attitude, our thoughts, and of course, The Hidden Man of the Heart.
It is hard to believe that someone who is trying to serve the Lord would intentionally try to discourage another soul and tell them a falsehood on purpose. However, this is why we must watch our words.
“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”Psalms 19:14
God understands us when no one else does, but others cannot and do not see the heart. What this means is that we should be careful what we say, how we act, and react to all things concerning our fellow Christians and our fellow men.
When Offended We Should Remember To Have Mercy Like Jesus
Jesus looks at the heart and that heart’s relationship to Him. Why can’t we try to do the same? He knows the communication and prayers that have been made to Him and He knows the very intent of the heart. No, He does not make excuses for us if we trespass against what is right. He sees us as we are, be it good or bad, and knows if we are acting like Christians.
When thinking about this, my mind goes to how people react in awkward situations or situations where there is no time for reflection. We sometimes get weary trying to understand others, however, this is when we should send prayers to heaven so that this, in turn, does not alter our walk with God. It is then that we should give it to God as He understands all things.
Loving One Another Will Help Us To Understand
Why does it seem hard for even a Christian to evaluate with wisdom or not evaluate at all? Giving the other individual (s) the benefit of the doubt.
We sometimes forget and are so ready to deem things as unacceptable behavior for anything we do not agree with. Again, this is not how God’s love operates, nor how He judges us.
Why? Because He knows what is going on in a person’s life that may influence the behaviors. He understands and is always merciful to all.
He looks at the heart and soul, He knows the motives, the reasons, the whys, the maybes, and the causes. The Lord doesn’t judge us by the outward man, as we often do. The Hidden Man of the Heart is how He judges all things.
David Prays: “Cleanse thou me from secret Faults.”
David prayed in (Psalms 19: 12, KJV) for grace:
“Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” In verse 14, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
If you look at the first question David asked in his prayer: “Who can understand his errors?” Sometimes we as individuals, cannot explain our behaviors, and we may be acting contrary to the Word of God. However, He is merciful to us, just as He is to all. If we pray and pray like David, our hearts will not be corruptible and we will remember that we often are misunderstood also.
Do we mean to speak out of turn or without consideration of others? I do not think so, especially if we have a good “heart” and are trying to live a Christian life. This is when we need to strive to seek a quiet and humble spirit and pray to be wiser in our efforts to have a spiritual Christ Consciousness and knowing. If we pray to God for more understanding and wisdom, He will give it and supply our needs accordingly.
We learn from our mistakes, this is how we grow, however, we must consider how Jesus would handle any situation. He will help us when we get into a hurry and speak or act without thinking.
David’s Prayers To Save His Spiritual Status
David prayed for the remission of sins and he made a deep confession. Psalms 51:1-7. He knew he had sinned as we all know our sins, even our secret faults, (He knows those too), which sometimes grow into sin. Therefore he prayed for God to wash him thoroughly from his iniquity and cleanse him from his sin. Then he requested the Lord to blot out all his iniquities and then in verses 10-12…
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
“Cast me not away from they presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with they free spirit.”
It is evident that we all have to, and need to work on our inward self, regardless of how long we have been in the walk with the Lord. With the intent of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and without immediate actions. If we look at ourselves, the hidden man of the heart, we are perfecting our walk and our wisdom. Being wise tells me that we have to take care of our souls and leave the rest to Him.
We can and should pray for others, but every man or woman must work out their salvation, with fear and trembling. God knows all things, He knows the reasons, and He knows our needs that we do not voice out loud to anyone. He knows the ups and downs, and He knows when we are right and wrong. He judges us by what He sees that others do not see, and yes, He loves us anyway. He judges us by the sin of omission as well as commission. I am intentionally working on the latter while it is the day, for the night cometh when no man shall see. Nothing gets past the Lord, for you or me.
“Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” Luke 12:40
“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14: 11
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I agree that “we must consider how Jesus would handle any situation” because this would change how we would react to people’s words and actions.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and yes the ways of a man are right in his own heart, but the Lord weigheth the spirit!!!