Reaching out to others with the truth of God’s Word is a significant thing, but significant to it is also the way in which we do so. When I began preaching, a seasoned preacher told me, “Don’t aim so low as to step on toes. Aim for the heart.” (Charles Andrews) At the heart of preaching — as well as the sharing of the Gospel one on one with others — is the consideration of hearts; our own and that of others.
John Newton is quoted as stating, “My grand point in preaching is to break the hard heart, and to heal the broken one.” This was the one who had had his own transformation of heart to move from being a faithless slave trader to a preacher of the faith and the writer of “Amazing Grace” in view of the transformation of his own life. In the second stanza of that hymn, John Newton noted how it was God’s grace that had taught his heart to fear but it was that same grace that had relieved that fear.
Having been confronted by Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba, David wrote the fifty-first psalm. In that psalm, David made a plea for the mercy of God to blot out his transgression. (vs.1) From the depths of David’s heart he pled. . .
“(10) Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (11) Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. (12) Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV)
David knew his need for heart restoration. In that restoration was also the restoring of his close relationship with God and the joy associated with the realization of the great salvation He provides. With a restored heart, David would then be prepared for what he went on to state. . .
“(13) Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.” (Psalm 51:13 ESV)
When others see our own openness to the restoration we need, they are often more open to our words in directing their own focus back toward God. If we do not have that openness ourselves, how can we be of the best help for others? As the truth of God makes its difference in our own life, we will be prepared to mercifully share God’s message of mercy with others.
As David went on to state. . .
“(17) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17 ESV)
Though the truth of God has the power to break the heart, that is not where the heart needs to be left. God’s Word also has the power to bring healing to the heart through the restoration of the relationship He is eager to provide. May our remain open to the Spirit’s work so that we will also be prepared to share the Good News of Jesus in the spirit of love (i.e. Ephesians 4:15) and mercy (i.e. Matthew 5:7; James 2:13) in which it was intended to be shared!
Have a great day WITH A RIGHT HEART TOWARD GOD AND OTHERS!
Carl
