A Spring Cleaning of the Heart

By: Jenifer Metzger

It's the middle of March and the official start to spring is just days away. Many schools are on spring break, gardeners are beginning to work on gardens, and all over the world people are spring cleaning.

This time of year people are cleaning off decks and bringing their deck furniture out, cleaning windows, cleaning garages, packing away winter coats and boots, cleaning carpets, and the list goes on. We've been cooped up all winter. Our homes are stuffy and we are desperate for fresh air and cleanliness.

As we spring clean our homes, let's also think about spring cleaning our hearts?

God, create a clean heart for me

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Is there someone you need to forgive? Even if they haven't asked for your forgiveness, it's time to offer it. Let go of it. Unforgiveness is like dirty windows. It blocks everything, it doesn't let us see things clearly. Examine your heart and if there is any unforgiveness toward anyone, it's time to let it go and forgive. For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. Matthew 6:14

Is there any sin you need to repent of? No matter how large or how small the sin may seem in the eyes of the world, sin is sin and it needs to be repented of. Have you wronged someone, have you had an attitude lately, have you failed at paying tithe or serving in your church, have you held onto a morally unhealthy habit? Examine your heart and if there is any sin that you have not repented of, it's time to give it to God and ask forgiveness. Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out. Acts 3:19

Does your language need cleaning? Do you say words that are cuss words or, what my family calls, unacceptable words? Does gossip enter into your conversations? Do you say words that slander or hurt others, including yourself? It is time to examine your language and clean up anything that is displeasing to God. No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Do you need to do some weeding? Are there friends in your life that lead you away from God instead of draw you closer? Are there tv shows you watch that are displeasing to God? Music you listen to that doesn't glorify God? It's time to examine what influences your letting into your life and weed out the things that do not lead you to God. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Do you need to open the windows? Just as we open the windows for fresh air, we need to open up and let God in. Let God speak to you. Open your heart, eyes, and ears to a Father who loves you so much He sent His Son to the cross to spent eternity with you. For God loved the world in this way: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Let's spring clean our hearts and let the Son shine in!


It's time for Share A Link Wednesday! Each Wednesday we invite you to leave a link to your latest blog post in the comments. We still desire to connect women of God with one another and encourage each other in Christ. So grab a cup of coffee or glass of sweet tea, sit back and visit a few blogs. Be encouraged and share your own stories.