Have you ever seen pineapples growing from a mango tree? Or oranges hanging from an apple tree? I think not!
Just as we can tell the type of tree by the fruit that it bears, the true condition of your heart is shown by the way you act and react to situations.
Did you know that the heart is naturally a breeding ground for negative feelings? Anger, hatred, pride, envy, lust, resentment, deceit, filthiness and malice are just a few of the feelings that start and fester in our hearts.
Before you shake your head in denial, think about your last reaction to something negative that happened. What did you say and how did you react? Are you short-tempered, easily resentful or addicted to the lusts of your flesh? These are feelings that perhaps nobody knows about, but deep down you do know; you know yourself very well and you know all about the problems you could have avoided if those feelings didn’t keep on getting the better of you. The good news is that if you can identify any bad fruit that your heart is carrying, it is possible to get rid of them.
It’s not easy, but it is possible.
I say it’s not easy because you will have to fight against those feelings every minute of every day as well as asking God to give you a brand-new heart – one that pleases Him. Just as King David did:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
When you have a heart that is formed by God, it becomes a breeding ground for positive, faith-based feelings such as love, peace, joy, humility, boldness, faith, perseverance, and forgiveness. Even during rough times, you are able to keep your composure because you are no longer dominated by that old heart.
Decide on the kind of heart you want to have, start seeking for it today, and tomorrow you will enjoy the benefits of this new heart.
Perhaps your loved ones will also be thankful for your new heart!
May the God of the Bible bless you,
Bishop Joshua Fonseca
