We can’t know what’s in someone’s heart.” I read that all-too-familiar sentiment expressed on social media recently. A Christian ministry had released a video that attacked some other Christian leaders, associating them with demonic opposition to the gospel. Many people rightly rebuked those responsible and called for an apology. Predictably, though, someone came to their defense: you don’t know what’s in their heart. The implication is that we are not allowed to correct someone’s actions unless we are able to see into their heart.

The Bible doesn’t say that. It seems to be a misquote of God’s words to Samuel: “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7b).  The point here is not about judging by actions, but judging by appearances. Someone can look impressive, flashy, and successful, but character is what mattered to God as He sent Samuel to find a leader for His people.

Appearances can be deceiving. But the Bible tells a different story when it comes to actions, and even words. “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil
treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).

Our words and deeds give evidence of what is in our hearts. That evidence can sometimes be misinterpreted, but it must not be dismissed. We see this truth repeated throughout scripture. Even God’s judgment does not dismiss the evidence of actions, though He clearly sees the heart: “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds” (Jeremiah 17:10).  God does not
separate the heart from the hands.

In other words, you do not need anyone to tell you to follow your heart. You are doing that already. We all are. What you and I need is the sinless Savior, who followed His heart all the way to the cross. We need to find our righteousness in His actions, not our own. We need to place our trust in His heart and His work, not in our hearts or works. In other words, we need a new heart.