A Genuine Heart

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Below are 9 marks of a genuine heart for Christian living and ministry in Romans 1:8-15. As I read these verses I saw areas where I needed improvement. We all fall short of the Glory of God yet we should always have a desire to grow in our walks with the Lord. Salvation is not based upon how good we become or how many good works we do; it is based upon Jesus and what He has done. That being said, "For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s." (1 Corinthians 6:20)



A Thankful Heart

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. (Romans 1:8)

Am I thankful when I see others with strong faith and making a difference for Christ?



A Concerned Heart

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, (Romans 1:9)

Do I pray for the ministry of others that they stand strong in the faith and the Lord’s protection upon them from evil? Am I truly concerned for them?



A Willing and Submissive Heart

making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. (Romans 1:10)

Am I willing to go where the Lord sends me and do as He instructs me? Remember Jonah?



A Loving Heart

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established— (Romans 1:11)



Do I have a heart’s desire to be among other believers and help them grow in their walks with the Lord?



A Humble Heart

that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. (Romans 1:12)



Am I encouraged by the mutual faith of other believers? A prideful heart wants to be first and to be seen.




A Fruitful Heart

Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles. (Romans 1:13)



Do I have a heart to see people come to the Lord and be saved? Do I desire to see other believers bear much fruit? Do I myself want to bear much fruit?



An Obedient Heart

I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. (Romans 1:14)



Do I obey the Lord and walk in the good works the He has laid before me?
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)



An Eager Heart

So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. (Romans 1:15)



Do I share the Gospel when opportunity arises? Am I ready and willing to go and serve the Lord? Or do I prefer to lie around on the couch watching TV or doing whatever my thing is?



A Confessing Heart

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (Romans 1:16)



Do I confess the Lord when I am around people who think the cross is foolishness and those who believe are weird? Does words that glorify Him proceed out of my mouth?





All scripture is from the NKJV