Having A Receptive Heart….

Having a receptive heart is key in maintaining healthy relationships. This is especially true with our walk with the Lord. How many times have you been so busy that you missed a cry (a need) coming from another person? They mention some sort of disappointment or distress, and you missed it? What about when you were fully locked into the conversation, and you connected with that person? You heard the cry, recognized it, and responded appropriately? That’s what it means to have a receptive heart. Not allowing tiredness, time, busyness, or distractions to tune out others. God designed us to be receptive, and to listen to our conscience. When we take this for granted, we miss out. We fall short of experiencing what God designed for us to live out. A receptive heart is gold. It isn’t controlled by time or circumstances. The only thing that taints a receptive heart is selfishness. Do you struggle with this? Take heed. The Holy Spirit is God’s gift to us. He is our companion. He walks along side of us, and help us “manage our selfishness”. And the key is to be under His control. This is so foreign to us because control is seen as a bad thing. Think about it this way. If you are on vacation and you’re exploring an unknown place, or doing some activity you’ve never done before, why do you pay experts or guides to help you? The Holy Spirit’s purpose is to lead us into all Truth. He does exactly what Jesus did. His intent is for our best. If people pay guides and experts to help educate and enjoy the environment they are in, why don’t we have the same receptivity to the Holy Spirit? Having a receptive heart is key to living life to the fullest. It helps relationships thrive. It helps us escape the trap selfishness brings with it. And it’s the only way to fully experience our Creator.

21 Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. 22 For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.23 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”24 Then He added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given–and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to My teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” Mark 4:21-25