Jan 30 – A Sensitive Heart!

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8).

The Lord Himself gives us a heart that is sensitive, that convicts us of our sin. When a person does wrong, his conscience cries out within him. Blessed, truly blessed, is the church that has a genuine servant of God who boldly points out sin, leads people to conviction, and guides them toward a holy walk with God.

Today, many desire promises, comfort, and encouragement. They enjoy soothing words and songs of blessing—but very few are willing to correct their faults or submit their lives to divine discipline. Promises are needed, yes—but equally necessary are God’s servants who can lovingly point out our mistakes, pray for us with tears, and counsel us toward restoration.

David once boldly fell into sin. Standing on his palace rooftop, he gazed lustfully upon a woman. Knowing she was another man’s wife, he sent that man to the frontline of war, to be killed. He committed adultery while her husband lived, and when she conceived, he brought her into his palace as his wife. Not once did he feel convicted about his sin. A whole year passed.

Then the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to David. Nathan told him a story: “A rich man with many flocks, refused to use one of his own lambs to feed a guest, but instead took the one little ewe lamb belonging to a poor man and prepared it for his guest.”

Hearing this, David was furious and declared that the rich man deserved death. Immediately the prophet replied, “You are the man!”, revealing David’s hidden sin. Only then he became sensitive to the grave sin and transgression he had committed. With deep conviction, he confessed his sin and wrote Psalm 51—pouring out his grief, repentance, and longing for cleansing with a broken and contrite heart.

He cried out: “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.” (Psalm 19:12–13)

Again he prayed earnestly: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23–24)

Beloved child of God, when you honestly examine yourself before the Lord, He will gently convict your heart. When you plead for mercy, He will surely forgive. And He will grant you a heart that is tender, responsive, and sensitive to His voice.

Verse for further meditation: “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)