As the old adage goes, you must ‘guard your heart’ if you wish to stay afloat. This idea of protecting what’s within us has been around for millennia and encapsulated in various forms of rhetoric. It’s no coincidence, then, that the Bible also touches upon this topic in several passages. But what does the Bible have to say about our moral and spiritual wellbeing? Is there a specific instruction to ‘guard our hearts’, and if so, for what purpose? In this article, we’ll explore the various biblical passages that refer to guarding your heart and the importance of doing so.
First and foremost, it is important to note that the Bible is a complex text. It is composed of several books, spanning multiple genres, which can often be difficult to interpret. As such, the notion of ‘guarding your heart’ is open to interpretation. To some, it may simply mean being wise in our actions and taking care not to do harm to others. To others, it may signify a deeper level of spiritual and moral awareness.
It’s crucial to understand the context in which these passages were written in. For example, in the book of Deuteronomy, the Israelites were being instructed not to follow the ways of the Canaanites. This would have included avoiding sensual tastings, fornication, and other immoral activities which would have resulted in spiritual or physical harm. By living according to the word of God, and not by the standards of their peers, the Israelites were protecting their hearts.
Another example is the book of Psalms, where it is written ‘harden not your heart’. Here, the emphasis is on staying vigilant and open to the will of God. Through following the Word of God, we protect ourselves from undoing any of our spiritual progress and avoid being corrupted by the world around us. This is further highlighted in Proverbs 4:23, which states ‘Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’. This verse serves as a reminder that our actions are a product of our hearts, and so we must be ever-vigilant in our relationship with God and our own soul.
The Bible also refers to guarding our hearts in other ways. In Matthew 15:18, Jesus states ‘Out of the heart come evil thoughts’; thus, it is important to keep our thoughts in check, and be mindful of our words and actions in order to guard our hearts. Likewise, in several other passages – such as Proverbs 4:15 – it is emphasised that our habits and character are of the utmost importance. This is a reminder that our spiritual wellbeing is just as important as our physical health, and that we should strive to lead healthy and honorable lives.
In conclusion, guarding our hearts is integral to living a prosperous, spiritual life. The Bible offers warnings and guidance to help us steer clear of any potential harm, whether that be physical, mental or spiritual. By heeding these warnings and being aware of our own behaviours, we are sure to reap the fruits of a fulfilling and long-lasting life.
Conquering Temptation
The Bible contains numerous verses about the power of temptation and the need for us to guard our hearts against it. In James 1:14, it is noted that ‘each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own desires’. This verse serves as a warning to be aware of our own weaknesses and weaknesses in our nature, and to not let them control our actions.
At the same time, however, it is necessary to acknowledge our own strengths. In addition to understanding our own weaknesses, it is just as important to recognise our potential for resisting temptation. In 1 Corinthians 10:13, it is written; ‘No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind’. This is a reminder that despite our inherent weaknesses, we are all capable of rising to the challenge and conquering temptation.
When it comes to guarding our hearts against temptation, prayer is perhaps one of the most effective defences. So often, when faced with temptation, our initial instinct is to turn away from God. But instead, it is important to turn to God first and to seek His guidance and protection. Proverbs 28:13 states ‘He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy’. This verse serves as a reminder that we should be honest with ourselves and with God. By seeking God and making honesty a part of our nature, we can strengthen our spiritual armour and guard our hearts from all manners of temptation.
Practicing Self-Compassion
At the heart of guarding our hearts lies the practice of self-compassion. By learning to be kind to ourselves, we can reduce the chances of succumbing to temptation, or of doing anything that we may later regret. Self-compassion also increases our capacity for love, which is key for a healthy, spiritual life.
The Bible encourages us to be kind to ourselves and our fellow human beings. This can involve spending time alone in contemplation, or engaging in personal acts of kindness and charity. In Matthew 22:39, it is written; ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’. This is an important reminder that while it is important to love and care for others, we must also take care of our own needs.
Learning to practice self-compassion involves being mindful of our own emotional states and needs. This can be a difficult task, as it involves being honest and vulnerable with ourselves. But it is worth the effort, as it will end up making us stronger and more resilient in the face of any temptations that may come our way.
Furthermore, although practicing self-compassion can provide us with a valuable defence for our hearts, it is important not to forget our relationship with God. Without a strong connection to God, we may find it harder to trust in His wisdom and protection. This is why prayer and study of the Bible remain key elements of guarding your heart – to ensure that we remain strong in our faith and in our love for God.
The Value of Patience
Patience has long been viewed as a valuable virtue, and the Bible is full of verses which stress its importance. It’s no surprise, then, that many passages also refer to guarding your heart through patience. In Psalms 27:14, it is written; ‘Wait on the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait, I say, on the Lord!’. This verse serves as a reminder that we should not rush matters, but instead should patiently wait on the Lord’s timing.
The importance of patience is also highlighted in other verses. In Proverbs 15:18, it is written; ‘A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger pacifies contention’. This verse serves as a reminder that in order to protect our hearts, we must learn to master our emotions. Controlling our reactions can prevent us from lapsing into sin, and from making decisions that we may regret.
Furthermore, the Bible often speaks of the rewards of long-term patience. It is not only about the here and now, but about the future and the rewards that patience may bring. In Proverbs 14:29, it is written; ‘He who is slow to anger has great understanding; but he who is impulsive exalts folly’. This is a reminder that not only can patience bring us closer to carrying out God’s will, but it can also result in greater wisdom and understanding.
The Benefits of Gratitude
Gratitude and thankfulness are two virtues that are praised highly in the Bible. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, it is written; ‘in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’. This verse serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we should strive to have faith in God’s plan and be thankful for His presence in our lives.
The importance of gratitude is further expounded in Psalms 100:4; ‘Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise’. This is a reminder that we should be thankful for all that God has given us and for the love that He has lavished upon us. By taking time to acknowledge and celebrate these gifts, we can ensure that our gratitude and appreciation remain strong and that we remain firmly grounded in our faith.
Moreover, cultivating a state of thankfulness goes hand-in-hand with guarding your heart. By being conscious of our blessings and acknowledging the goodness that is present in our lives, we can reduce feelings of envy, jealousy and hatred. These negative emotions can take root in our hearts and breed misfortune and disaster, so it is therefore important to be mindful of our thoughts and emotions.
Closing Remarks
It is clear from these passages that the Bible stresses the importance of guarding our hearts. Whether it be from temptation, manipulation or our own destructive emotions, it is important that we stay vigilant and tuned in to our own wellbeing. By doing so, we can ensure that we remain strong in our faith, unharmed by the past and secure in the knowledge of God’s plan for us.
Furthermore, it is also crucial that we remember the importance of compassion, gratitude, and patience. Each of these virtues will help us to cultivate a stronger relationship with ourselves and with God, and thus protect ourselves from any potential harm. If we can keep these lessons in mind and make them central to our spiritual and moral lives, then we are sure to reap the fruits of a prosperous and long-lasting existence.
