Made for More: 30 Days of Experiencing More Life, Love, and FreedomSample

Day 4: The Centrality of the Heart

The subject of the heart in Scripture is both deep and wide. While some verses refer to the physical organ beating in our chest, the vast majority point to something far more significant: the spiritual center of who we are.

Easton’s Illustrated Dictionary of Biblical Terms puts it this way:

“The heart is that center of spiritual activity and all the operations of human life.”

In the Old Testament alone, the Hebrew words leb and lebab appear around 860 times. According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary:

“The heart is regarded as the seat of emotions, knowledge, and wisdom. It can be used to describe a person’s personality, conscience, and moral character.”

In short, the heart is not just a part of us—it is us. It is the core of our being.

But here’s the question that often rises to the surface in conversation and debate: Is the heart good or evil?

Much of the confusion comes from Scripture that speaks of the heart as deceitful or corrupt. Yet the broader witness of the Bible reveals something more hopeful. The heart is impressionable—it holds our personal theology–the beliefs that shape our daily decisions. And while it can be wounded, misled, or hardened by sin, it is also the very place God seeks to redeem and restore.

The heart is central to the story of redemption. Yes, we are saved by grace, but salvation is just the beginning. What follows is transformation—the process of becoming increasingly more whole, healed, and holy.

So, what happens to the heart when someone is rescued by Christ?

Is it still wicked? Still stone-cold and sinful?

No. That doesn’t align with the new life Jesus gives.

Scripture never tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your wicked heart,” nor does it say that “the Lord searches the evil heart” of a believer. Instead, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. That only makes sense if the heart has been made new.

And it has.

For those who follow Jesus, the heart is no longer the dominion of darkness. It is the holy of holies within—the place where God now dwells and works. It’s the base of operations from which we love and live like Christ.

That’s why there’s a battle for it.

Two kingdoms—light and darkness—are in constant opposition, contending for your heart’s allegiance, affection, and loyalty. But in Christ, you’ve been given a new heart, one that is capable of receiving love, giving love, and carrying out your Kingdom purpose.

So don’t believe the lie that your heart is still bad.

It is good—because God made it so.

This is what Jesus came to do: to rescue us, redeem us at our very core, heal us from the inside out, and send us into the world as living, breathing testimonies of His transforming love.

Your heart matters.
Guard it.
Nourish it.
Live from it.

Because in Christ, you’ve been made new.

As you reflect on all this with God today, consider asking Him:

The story you think you are living in will determine how you live. Jesus, what kind of story have I been living in?

In the days ahead, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to better navigate the two Kingdoms. Holy Spirit, would you guide, counsel, comfort, and teach me who I am and who I’m not in the larger story and how the story works.

Father, is there one phrase or sentence that feels like it’s just for me today? Would You help me hear it clearly and understand why it matters?