The LORD has armed us to defend. He has given us His Armor. We put it on daily. This morning in my continued study of the word “heart” I was brought to Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church and the passage titled in my bible “The Ministry of Reconciliation”. Where I have been in this passage before, again, the LORD points me to another realization.

“¹²We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart.” – 2 Corinthians 5:12 (ESV)

When we are defending, we are to focus on the heart. You see, out there in the world there are many that make claims to be of Christ. They are outward (public) Christians and want everyone to know it. And where it is great to be so bold for Christ in the public square, it is in the heart where our true allegiance to Him is found.

I do not know the heart of others as it is not my place. Yet, it is my role to defend the heart for Christ and not just the outward declarations. I have to take people at their word and then utilize the Armor of God to defend Christ and my heart for Him. I have to be aware and on guard for those who are only boasting on the outside and may not have accepted Christ in the heart. Again, I do not know their heart, but I can and should still defend Christ who is in mine.

It is hard, I know. And there is a balance that must be struck. But, when we are defend the heart, we should be determined and steadfast. We are to defend with vigor. We are to stand firm in Christ and know that as we are doing work for Him, He is actively defending, guarding, and protecting us. Be bold for Christ who is in your heart and know that the LORD is with you every step of the way.

What are you defending? Is it the actions that we see on the outside? What if you were to look inward to your heart and defend Christ who has found a home there in you?