Topical Bible: Character of the Renewed Heart: Honest and Good

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The character of the renewed heart, as depicted in the Scriptures, is marked by honesty and goodness. These attributes are not merely moral ideals but are seen as the natural outflow of a heart transformed by the grace of God. The renewed heart reflects the character of Christ, who is the ultimate embodiment of truth and goodness.

Honesty

Honesty is a fundamental characteristic of the renewed heart. It involves living in truth, both in speech and in action. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of truthfulness as a reflection of God's own nature. In Ephesians 4:25, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This call to honesty is rooted in the understanding that believers are part of the body of Christ, and deceit undermines the unity and trust within the community.

The renewed heart is also honest before God, acknowledging sin and seeking forgiveness. In Psalm 51:6, David declares, "Surely You desire truth in the inmost being; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place." This verse highlights the importance of inner truthfulness, which is essential for genuine repentance and spiritual growth.

Goodness

Goodness, as a fruit of the Spirit, is another defining trait of the renewed heart. It is an active expression of love and righteousness, manifesting in deeds that reflect God's character. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists goodness among the fruits of the Spirit, indicating that it is a result of the Spirit's work in the believer's life.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the nature of true goodness. The Samaritan's actions demonstrate compassion and selflessness, qualities that are inherent in a heart transformed by God's love. Jesus concludes the parable by instructing, "Go and do likewise," calling His followers to embody this goodness in their interactions with others.

Furthermore, in Romans 12:9, Paul instructs, "Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good." This verse underscores the necessity of genuine love and the pursuit of goodness as integral to the Christian life. The renewed heart is not content with mere outward conformity but seeks to embody goodness in all aspects of life.

Integration of Honesty and Goodness

The integration of honesty and goodness in the renewed heart is essential for authentic Christian living. These qualities are interdependent, as honesty without goodness can become harsh, and goodness without honesty can become superficial. The renewed heart, therefore, seeks to balance these attributes, reflecting the holistic character of Christ.

In Philippians 4:8, Paul encourages believers to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. This exhortation encapsulates the essence of a heart that is both honest and good, directing believers to cultivate a mindset that aligns with God's character.

Ultimately, the character of the renewed heart is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel. As believers grow in honesty and goodness, they bear witness to the reality of Christ's work within them, shining as lights in a world that desperately needs the truth and love of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Agreement of Salvation by Grace with Walking in Good Works
... How can I tell him the cruel dogma of "modern thought" that his own personal character
is everything? ... You need to be renewed in heart by the Holy Spirit ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the agreement of salvation by.htm

For the Candid and Thoughtful
... Then, if all these things be in you, your character resembles that of this ... You are
not far from the privilege of being wholly renewed in heart, since you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/for the candid and thoughtful.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... soul without producing some perceptible results in character and conduct. ... is also
a renewed man, and every renewed man is ... is he who can say with heart, as well ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

A Call to Holy Living
... If you say you are regenerated, renewed, and sanctified ... Our Lord Jesus Christ's heart
was expansive and ... No depravity of character or poverty of condition must ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... all those graces which have their root in the renewed heart, which mark ... If we were
more holy in heart and life ... They largely determine its character and its work ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

Two Essential Things
... Every renewed heart is anxious to be free from even a ... is that troubles the truly
penitent heart most: that ... the transcript of his own perfect character, and sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/two essential things.htm

Good Earnests of Great Success
... this, and if the report of our character be bad ... Come, do but come, in simplicity
of heart, and according to ... see another kind of man"one that is renewed in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/good earnests of great success.htm

The Likeness of God
... may be blotted and corrupted, it can be cleansed and renewed. ... it, and take it on
trust: but the CHARACTER of the ... we can know what is better, the heart of God. ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon ii the likeness of.htm

The Desire of all Nations
... the desire of all the nations when hearts are renewed? ... manhood are things of the
soul, the heart, the spirit ... esteem of men who know how to judge by character. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/the desire of all nations.htm

part iii.
... the benefit of the needy, as to be honest. ... It must originate in the renewed heart,
be nourished by ... full and symmetrical development of the Christian character. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clark/the faithful steward/part iii.htm