Reflection

Have you ever listened to a sermon, a worship song, or someone’s testimony and felt like it was meant just for you? It hit a place deep inside you. But other times, even the most powerful truth seems to bounce right off your heart. Why does that happen?

The answer often lies in the condition of the heart.

Sometimes our hearts are so full—of pain, disappointment, grief, bitterness—that there’s no room left for God’s Word to take root. It’s not that we don’t want to hear; it’s that we can’t. The soil of our heart has been hardened by life. In those moments, we need healing more than instruction.

The enemy loves to plant lies in our hearts—lies about our worth, about God’s love, about forgiveness. Those lies grow like weeds and choke out truth.

But here’s the good news: God is the Master Gardener. He can heal any heart, no matter how broken. And sometimes, He invites us to help tend to the hearts of others. That starts not with preaching, but with compassion—with understanding what someone has been through, seeing their pain, and gently helping them clear space for God to work.

Everyone has a story. Their heart condition is part of their testimony. And when love and truth are planted with care, God can bring a harvest out of even the hardest ground.

Challenge

This week, ask God to show you someone whose heart might be hurting or hardened. Instead of offering answers, offer presence. Be the one who listens, understands, and reflects Christ’s patience. You may be the one preparing their heart to receive the truth.

Also, reflect on your own heart. Is there pain or bitterness that’s crowding out God’s Word? Invite Him to do some spiritual gardening.

Prayer

Lord, soften my heart. Pull up the weeds of pain, lies, and bitterness. Help me receive Your Word with faith and joy. Show me how to love others enough to understand their pain and help prepare their hearts for You. Thank You for never giving u p on broken soil. In Jesus’ name, amen.