A Sincere Heart

Because of God's mercy I do not lose heart. Though outwardly I am wasting away, yet inwardly I am being renewed day by day. I want the eyes of my heart to be enlightened in order that I may know the hope to which he has called me, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

It is God's purpose for me that I may be encouraged in my heart and united in love, so that I may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that I may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. My heart is glad and so my tongue rejoices; my body also lives in hope!

God's command to me is to love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. I flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. lam to see to it that I do not have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

I draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having my heart sprinkled to cleanse me from a guilty conscience and having my body washed with pure water. I consider Jesus who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that I will not grow weary and lose heart.

I should not forget the word of encouragement that addresses me as a son: 'My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you.' I purify myself by obeying the truth so that I have sincere love for my brothers, loving others deeply, from the heart. Because I believe in the Son of God I have this testimony in my heart. I am not to set my heart on what I will eat or drink; I do not worry about such things. If I say to this mountain (this problem in my life), 'Go, throw yourself into the sea', and do not doubt in my heart but believe that what I say will happen, it will be done for me. Jesus prom ises this.

(2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 1:18; Col. 2:2; Acts 2:26; 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; Heb.3:12; Heb 10:22; Heb 12:3, Heb 12:5; 1 Pet. 1:22; 1 John 5:10; Luke 12:29; Mark 11:23)