Since it is the month for Valentine’s Day, I thought we would take a look at its’ most popular symbol. No, not cupids – the heart! We all know the complete dependence we have on it in the physical realm for keeping us alive. It also has amazing capabilities that we are unaware of.

A study was done by the Institute for HeartMath.  Their conclusion revealed that the heart’s electromagnet energy is 5,000 times more powerful that the brain, and the heart’s power extends around you in a circle that is 8-10 feet in diameter. (Kristin Robertson, Finding the Calm, Society Life, 2010).
Think of the personal applications if our heart actually extends beyond ourselves.  The author of this finding goes on to explain:  “Because our hearts are so powerful, this practice not only blesses you, but it blesses those around you.  Remember your heart’s energy can be measured at 10 feet away, so imagine walking through your day surrounded by your heart-space bubble that extends in all directions for 10 feet.  How many people touched by your heart bubble and are either blessed by it or repelled by it?  Be conscious of what energy your heart is radiating.” (Kristen Robertson)

That makes sense why people say (before speaking with you):  “What are you so happy about?”  or  “What’s wrong – I can tell that something is bothering you?”

What is exactly “the heart” in the spiritual realm?
A key verse is found in Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Whoa.  Wait a second.  Slow down.  “Above all else . . . .”  somehow this should take priority.  This must be really important while we exist here on planet earth.  Why?  The next phrase explains:  ” . . . because it is the wellspring of life” or as another translation says, “. . . all life flows from it.”

So beyond it being a physical organ that radiates energy and should be protected – what is a satisfying definition of “the heart”?  It is difficult, because the phrase can be used in so many ways:

Bless your little heart.

He broke her heart. 

You have a kind, brave, and noble heart.

That kid’s got heart to finish the race despite her injury. 

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked  . . . . (Jeremiah 17:9)

I will give you a new heart. (Ezekiel 36:26)

And on and on it goes . . . . .

In the book, Waking the Dead, author John Eldredge gives this insightful perspective:

“The subject of the heart is addressed in the Bible more than any other topic – more than works or service, more than belief or obedience, more than money, and even more than worship. . . The heart is the deep center of our life . . . The heart is who we are.  The real self. . . . My heart is me.  The real me.  Your heart is you.  The deepest, truest you.  That is why the heart is central, for what shall we do if we dismiss our self?” (pg. 39, 50)

That explains why when Jesus was asked “What is the greatest commandment?”, He immediately replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22: 36,37)

It looks like the Tin Man was really on to something . . . . .

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