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Cut To The Heart

Sunday, October 19

Acts 2:37-39 (NASB)

“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Devotion

When Peter stepped up to teach that day, 3,000 people repented, were baptized, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Today’s verse describes the crowd's reaction to Peter's sermon. The people were "cut to the heart" and asked Peter what they needed to do. What determines a response in people is the condition of their heart. Being cut to the heart, or compunction, is a feeling of deep regret, usually for discretion or some sinful deed. The term "cut to the heart"—in Greek is katenygesan ten kardian—and is not used anywhere else in the Bible. The literal translation means "severely troubled and made sorrowful." The Holy Spirit moved across the hearts of those who listened, bringing conviction that led to repentance.

Repentance is a sincere decision to change, rather than simply being sorry. It is a complete turnaround from previous thoughts and actions. In the Bible, conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit to make a person aware of their sin and need for salvation, leading to repentance and growth, as described in John 16:8, “And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment.”

While condemnation leads to shame, conviction is a loving act from God that offers forgiveness and transformation through turning back to Him. A tender heart is essential for responding to conviction. So how do we tend to the soil of our heart?

Sin separates us from God and can harden our hearts, making it difficult or impossible to hear Him. Unforgiveness can lead to bitterness and resentment, affecting our ability to hear God’s voice. Ignoring the promptings of the Holy Spirit will dull His voice and could eventually silence His voice in our lives. Hebrews 3:15, "Do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." A supple heart allows for the ongoing process of sanctification, making us more Christlike.

Today's Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,

Come and break up the fallow ground in our hearts so that we can readily hear Your voice and respond in repentance. Open our eyes to see how destructive sinful behavior is and continue to convict our hearts that we might walk out all that You have planned and purposed for our lives. Stir in us a desire to carve out time to daily study Your Word. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Apply It Today
  • Seek God through His Word. God’s word is a powerful tool to teach, reprove, and equip us.
  • Search your heart. Confess your sins. Obey, Forgive, repent, apologize where there is need
  • Develop a grateful heart
  • Worship. Give Him honor
Resources
  • Watch this short clip, “God Can Restore You”, and surrender your heart to the Lord.
  • Join Free Chapel for services today, either in person or online via the Free Chapel App or YouTube.