The Heart

There are two words in the New Testament translated heart. The more frequent work is “kardia” appearing some one hundred and sixty times. The other word is “psuche” occurring one hundred five times. The word “kardia” may refer to the organ in the body which is the center of the circulation of the blood. It may refer to the “soul or mind, as it is the fountain and seat of the thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors.” It can also stand for the understanding, the faculty and seat of intelligence.The heart plays a vital part of Christianity. It is not a better felt than told concept, but rather that which is connected to the understanding, intelligence, desires, appetites, etc.

The Bible speaks of different types of hearts. In the following we will briefly consider some of the hearts of which the Bible speaks.

Firstly, there is the pricked heart. After Peter’s monumental sermon on the day of Pentecost the Bible says, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) The word pricked means “to prick, pierce; metaph. to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently…” (Thayer, page 334.) A pricked heart is one convicted of sin. Peter old the people on this occasion. “Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:” (Acts 2:23). People today must be convicted of their sin, they do not need to be made to feel good in their sin.

Secondly, we see the open heart. “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she was attentive unto those things spoken of Paul.” (Acts 16:14). There are two important words to consider (1) “opened” the word means “to open by dividing or drawing asunder, to open thoroughly.” The same idea is found in Luke 24:32, “and they said one to another, did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” How did the Lord open the scriptures unto them? Luke 24:27 holds the answer, “and beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them I all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” Lydia’s heart (understanding) was open as the scriptures were expounded and explained. People today have their hearts (understanding) opened in the same manner. (2) “Attentive” the word means “to turn the mind to, be attentive.” When Lydia heard the scriptures explained and her understanding was opened she turned her full attending to the things spoken by Paul. Her attentiveness manifested itself “when she was baptized and her household…” (Acts 16:15).

Thirdly, we discover the obedient heart. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” (Romans 6:17). There are many examples of this type of heart. (Acts 22:37-41; Acts 9:1-19; Acts 10:1-489; Acts 16:25-40; acts 18:8; 8:26-40). This same type of heart is needed today! The mindset that will lay aside all human creeds and opinions and submit oneself to the pure, simple and powerful word of God. Unto this quality of person will the blessings of God flow? “Blessed are they that do His commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14).

Finally, there is the comforted heart. “Let not your heart be troubled: Ye believe in God believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:1-3).

We today can find comfort in the promises of God. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie promised before the world began…” (Titus 1:2). “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). What can offer more comfort than knowing what God has in store for his faithful children? (Revelation 2:10; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Bill Cantrell