December 19, 2013
Alexia Isaak
Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? I know I have a tendency to. I trust people quickly and p roceed with sharing the abundant love in my heart with those around me. It is very rewarding to give your love and lead with love. Love is the source energy of all life anyway, right?
I have also learned that we need to use discretion when sharing love because you need to be careful where you invest your emotional equity. In other words, Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:23).
Then I think, "Wait! Wait! I'm supposed to love my neighbor, but also guard my heart. How do I know where to love and where to guard?" This can all be so confusing!
Guarding your heart means you take time to respond, rather than react. Guarding your heart means you hold off before making a decision. It does not mean you shut down completely. There's the age old proverb to count to ten before speaking. Heeding this advice will help you to both respond and guard your heart.
Acting out of fear means you refuse to face things outside your comfort zone like conflict. You may be risk averse. I know I am. I prefer to stay safe, and for that reason, I can act out of fear and close off like a little porcupine to protect myself from danger. Consequently, I probably miss out on many things, and I continue to challenge myself to try new things
Guarding your heart is wise, but acting out of fear simply places a wall between you and whatever you are trying to protect yourself from engaging with.
I hope you will face your fears and guard your heart today because you can!