Jesus Knows Our Hearts - The Crosswalk Devotional - October 17

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Jesus Knows Our Hearts
By: Michelle Lazurek

Bible Reading:
“Immediately, Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, Why are you thinking these things?” - Mark 2:8

A woman from the women's ministry team at our church requested to meet with me. As we met to discuss some difficulties she was having with gaining momentum for the ministry’s events, securing regular attenders, and integrating deep discipleship into each event, I sensed a more profound longing behind her words. As I listened, I felt the Holy Spirit guiding me to discern that a deeper issue was at play.

I pivoted her questions to her recent exchange with another leader in the church. This leader commented that this person had not been nice to her and had made some rude comments. I then asked her what was really going on. I asked her to comment specifically on her relationship with her previous pastor, who had now been gone for several years. She put her head down and immediately began to cry. 

She discussed all the ways she felt the pastor had dishonored her and made her feel like she wasn't an essential part of one of their teams. We both agreed after our conversation that she, as the leader, needed some healing. We understood the importance of having healthy leadership to lead teams effectively. I asked her to hold off on beginning any new group for a few months, suggested some books on grief, and asked her to go through them. 

Jesus not only was a good leader, as he taught his followers how to do the work he would do when he was gone, but he also knew what was in their hearts. With the gift of discernment, he was able to understand what was truly going on in a person's heart. 

For example, he was able to make comments to the Pharisees about their hearts being unclean because he knew that evil lurked deep within their souls. They acted spiritual and educated, but deep down, they weren't. Their actions didn't match their words. The Pharisees wanted to dictate to everyone else how to live their lives, but their own actions didn't align with their lifestyle. Jesus knew this and lovingly confronted them on their issues. 

In the same way, he was able to discern whether someone was ill, demonically influenced, or just needed a bit of healing. In each situation, he was able to meet their need. 

Similarly, we need to refine our gift of discernment in relation to the people within our church. It is essential to discern when someone shares a personal experience, discusses gossip about another person, or vents about a challenging situation that is affecting them, so you understand what's truly happening. 

Connecting the dots for people helps them understand that sometimes their issue with one person isn't the real issue at all. Sometimes unprocessed hurt, unforgiveness, and old wounds manifest in anger, unforgiveness, and bitterness toward others. However, when they can heal what has been broken or hurt, they can act in healthier ways toward others. With his gift of discernment, Jesus was not only able to heal people's physical ailments but also their hearts. 

Take a moment to analyze your heart. Are there any issues within your soul, either within yourself or with someone else, that cause you to act out in unhealthy ways? Do you find yourself getting angry at the traffic or at other issues, when it may have more to do with a problematic relationship in your life? What steps can you take to help heal that relationship today?

Take time to be with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to unearth within you any unprocessed wounds, hurt, unforgiveness, bitterness, rage, or anything else that would be hindering you from having healthy relationships in the future. Allow the Holy Spirit to heal you in every way possible. Ask the spirit to give you the gift of discernment so that when you talk with others, you can quickly discern the real issue behind the current situation. 

When we can heal others emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, we can interact with others in healthier ways. This fosters a sense of unity within the body of Christ, enabling the church to work together efficiently to accomplish the work of the Kingdom.

Father, let us be people who have the gift of discernment. Help us to discern what is in people's hearts. Help us to be brave enough to call out whatever may be hindering them. Let us help them through the process of total healing so that the body of Christ spreads the gospel to the nations. Amen. 

Intersecting Faith & Life:

Are there any areas of your life with which you need healing? How can you utilize your time with the Lord in prayer to initiate this process of healing?

Further Reading:
Luke 5:22-23

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/kieferpix 

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award-winning author, speaker, pastor's wife, and mother. She is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and host of The Spritual Reset Podcast. Her new children’s book Hall of Faith encourages kids to understand God can be trusted. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia, and spending time with her family and her crazy dog. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com! 

Related Resource: 9 Confusing Things about God– Answered By a Christian Philosopher

How can God be all-present (omnipresent) and yet be located in the temple and indwell believers? How can God know everything (omniscient) if He doesn't know what it is like to sin? How can God be a necessary Being if it is logically possible He doesn't exist? These are just a few of the tough, philosophical questions Sean McDowell discusses with William Lane Craig.