When Calls the Heart (Thanks to Hallmark , again)

There is a series on Hallmark called, “When Calls the Heart”. It’s based on a Christian book series by the same name, written by Janet Oke. In this particular episode two of the characters are at odds with one another. One might even say they are enemies. The female character invites her “enemy” to supper. The husband, of the female character, who also happens to be a pastor, is dumb-founded that his wife would invite this man, the enemy, to supper. Her response to him is, “I hope to sit across the table from someone whom I do not like and change his heart.” But, what actually happens is both hearts are changed. Now, I could delve deeper into these characters and you would need the storyline to truly grasp the moment but this paints a clear picture of how God works. The situation is portrayed as both finally understanding the other’s position. Definitely worth watching.

When does God call our heart? How often do we listen when he does call? How often do we wish or pray for someone else’s heart to be changed when in actuality it is our own that needs changing? Watching this episode really made me stop and think about my own heart. How often have I gotten angry over something simply because I didn’t like it? How often have I turned the other way to avoid someone who I thought had belittled or wronged me? How often have I tightened my jaw and ignored someone who I thought was wrong? How often have I let my anger keep me from the joy and blessings that are right in front of me? Sadly, the answer is way, way too often.

The Bible speaks of two kinds of anger. One of bitterness, wrath, hatred and one of righteous indignation. Anger, if left to fester can quickly become bitterness or hatred and can eat away at our heart. If dealt with quickly, then our heart can heal and be open to God’s love and forgiveness. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Proverbs 19:11 says, “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” But, James 1:19-20 says it best. “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” Oh, how often I have failed to produce the righteousness of God. Is God Calling your heart to forgive and forget the anger? What will you do when God calls your heart? I must heed the call myself as I fall so short on a daily basis.