Sanctified Heart

1 Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The doctrine of sanctification was flush out in its current teaching by John Wesley and other circuit rider preachers in the 17th century. The teaching to live holy and blameless in Christ is a Pauline Epistle teaching given to us by the Apostle Paul in the first century, and in this scripture, Peter instructs us to be sanctified.  The idea that Christian should have a sanctified heart is not something that the earlier founders of Wesleyan conjectured from some new revelation given to them. It was a revival of God’s word, revealing to us the life that God desires all His children to live. The word sanctify shows up in scripture in many different contexts, but the root of the word is to make holy or to set apart. God desires that our heart be made holy and used for His glory. A sanctified heart does not mean that a person is perfect in their humanity, but their heart’s can be perfect before God in motives and intentions. The world will do everything to discount the life of a Christian who stands for truth and righteousness. As Christian we are to be ready to give an answer to the unbeliever, the hope of Christ that lives within us. Our witness for Christ should reflect the life of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the believer to live a life blameless before the world. A heart that is sanctified is not infallible to failure, but it will empower a Christian to overcome temptation and live right before God and those who are watching our walk with Christ.

Root of Bitterness

 Heb. 12:15
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Bitterness is an evil spirit that holds resentment and indifference toward God or toward other people. It normally begins when one feels that they have been betrayed or been dealt unfairly. Bitterness will hold a grudge, will cause a person to respond unkindly, and may look for ways to get back. Bitterness goes beyond being angry at someone or having displeasure in someone’s actions. We may even feel at times that God does not care, or question the actions of someone that caused hurt. It is when we allow these circumstances to change our hearts from submitting to the will of God, or not letting go of the anger and allowing God to put a spirit of love, grace, and mercy in our hearts toward others. The solution is to follow peace and holiness. Let the Holy Spirit take control of your mind, body, and soul. Holiness of heart is not just a Bible doctrine, it is a life experience that we must live if we want to see God. Let God take out the root of bitterness out of your heart