An honest heart

Christ Jesus shared a parable about why seeds planted by a farmer don’t always take root and grow (see Luke 8:5–15). The story metaphorically illustrates modes of thought that stand in the way of healing and those that support and promote it. One requirement for healing that Jesus identified in the parable was an honest heart, which he defined as more than just telling the truth. He said those who are honest and good-hearted “listen to God’s words and cling to them and steadily spread them to others who also soon believe” (Luke 8:15, The Living Bible).

We all yearn to live up to the standard that Jesus exemplified and taught, and this parable provides valuable insight: Any seeker of Truth who possesses the spiritual quality of an honest heart naturally listens for divine guidance and follows it, applying it tenaciously to every aspect of daily life. And the reward for this tenacity is healing.