Guard Your Heart – Day 3

Truth:

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

Thought:

The breastplate protects the heart. The Breastplate of Righteousness described by Paul in Ephesians 6 is not from works gained from the Law (Philippians 3:9) but it is the righteousness of Christ we put on by faith (2 Corinthians 5:21). 1 Thessalonians uses the same motif of a breastplate and describes it as faith and love.

But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (NIV)

Our own righteousness isn’t going to cut it. In fact, if we work out of our own righteousness, satan can easily penetrate our breastplate and get to our heart. The breastplate of righteousness works in an active faith in Christ that works through love.

Over these “40 Days for Life Above the Negativity” you’re going to be reading much about love, because love is the antidote to negativity.

Love guards our heart. It protects what is most important. It reflects the nature of God.

The Breastplate of Righteousness protects our heart, which is the symbolic centre of our love.  It’s Christ’s righteousness, which is His love shown to us. So as we accept His love and we respond to His love, we protect our capacity to love.

So are you ready to show Christ’s love to others?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to put the needs of others ahead of my own. Help me to do everything in love. Empower me to live beyond my limited sphere of selfishness. Help me to love others because You first loved me.

Challenge:

Pray for opportunity to show God’s love to someone today. Then respond to those you meet with love.

Declaration:

I choose to put on the full armor of God. I put on truth. I put on righteousness. I put on peace. I put on faith. I put on salvation. And I choose to learn to use the word of God with great power and in love.