Head Knowledge and Heart Knowledge

Sometimes, people differentiate between head knowledge and heart knowledge of Jesus. Head knowledge refers to knowing what the Bible says about Him, while heart knowledge is believing in Him as your personal Savior and knowing the joy of the Lord’s salvation. Head knowledge and heart knowledge are not an “either-or,” but a “both and.” How can one truly rejoice in Jesus as one’s personal Savior unless one knows who He is as laid out in the Scriptures? What is also true is that both head knowledge and heart knowledge continue to grow as we walk with Jesus. 

In order for that to happen, there must be a concerted effort on the part of Jesus’ followers. Obviously, we grow in our head knowledge as we spend more time in God’s Word by personally reading it, and hearing it explained and applied in sermons and Bible studies. But what is wonderful about the Scriptures is that they are the living Word of God where the Holy Spirit also increases our heart knowledge, helping us to understand and more fully appreciate our Lord’s amazing love for us which leads to a response of loving Him more. 

19th Century poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning wrote the oft-quoted line, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” What a great idea for us as God’s people – to count all the reasons we love God as we read and reflect upon His Word. And what a great idea to also count all the ways we show our love for Him. And when our head knowledge and heart knowledge are combined through the working of the Holy Spirit, we grow in our understanding of what it means to truly love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. 

Verse for the Week: 1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 

You may wish to prepare for this weekend’s worship by reading Deuteronomy 10:12-21, 1 Corinthians 1:4-9, Matthew 22:35-46, and Acts 18:18-19:7. We will be celebrating Holy Communion this weekend.