Scripture References: Ephesians 3:17-19; Psalm 139:13-16; 2 Corinthians 5:14-20; Galatians 5:1; John 10:10
Intro: Following Monica's blessing, let's explore what it means to truly "heart" Jesus. Like explaining love for a spouse, it often requires starting at the beginning – the foundational encounter. Though shared before, the story of God's initial pursuit and rescue is always fresh, like God delighting daily in His creation. This testimony is that beginning.
Key Points:
- The Hidden Wound: Despite a loving upbringing, a lifelong rare physical condition (KT Syndrome) led to childhood rejection and deep internal wounds of self-hatred, loneliness, and believing lies ("You are disgusting, unlovable, alone"). This internal pain persisted despite outward functioning.
- The Divine Appointment: At age 16, feeling hopeless, attended a healing meeting. Witnessed God's power and felt an undeniable pull to receive prayer, even without fully understanding what could happen. God often orchestrates encounters when we are desperate.
- The Unexpected Encounter: Prayer resulted in a powerful physical sensation but no visible outward change, leading to deep grief and confusion. However, a friend wisely noted God often heals the heart's deepest wounds first, below the surface requests.
- The True Healing: Identity Restored: The miracle wasn't physical change, but a profound encounter the next morning with God speaking identity truth: "Jill, I know you... you are fearfully and wonderfully made... my treasure... I love you" (Ps 139). This experienced love (Eph 3:17-19) filled the deep inner void, replacing self-hatred with acceptance.
- Love Experienced Overflows: Knowing God's love experientially transforms everything – how we see ourselves and relate to others. Fear turns to a desire to share His love (2 Cor 5:14-20). Illustrated also by a 60-yr-old Thai pastor's wife, wounded by lifelong rejection, finally experiencing God's love tangibly, bringing immense freedom and joy.
Conclusion: "Hearting" Jesus goes beyond knowing about Him; it stems from experiencing His personal, pursuing love, often revealed when He meets our deepest pain. This experienced love radically heals our identity, frees us from shame and self-hatred, and overflows into our lives and relationships. He desires this heart-level encounter for everyone.
Call to Action: Do you know about God's love, or have you truly experienced it in your heart? If you feel numb, disconnected, or stuck in head knowledge, ask Him to make His love real to you. Open your heart; let Him remove any "lids" preventing you from receiving. Seek prayer to be filled to overflowing with His transformative love.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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