Introduction
God sees and searches the heart. God also seeks a heart that longs for Him as a person, and embraces His ways. God is indeed, and constantly, after our hearts because He fully knows that in our hearts lie the treasures of our life, our intentions, and the issues of life. He also encourages us to put our hearts into either what we are doing, or in building a relationship.
When you capture someone’s heart, you capture their life because according to Proverbs 4:23, the issues of life flow from the heart. There is no such thing as an empty heart; there is always something within it. It runs deep, and that’s where our desires and delights arise. Only God and you are aware of this. Our words, our decisions, and our actions are visible expressions and manifestations of what already exists within our hearts.
The expression of our hearts through what we do, say, give, or become is directly proportional to the condition of our hearts. We, therefore, may act, speak, give, or become something without a willing heart, and without applying ourselves wholeheartedly.
Our inner selves hold more importance to God than our outer appearance. Our inner selves reveal our true identities, which cannot be faked or falsified, whereas our outer selves can be. You are more genuinely who you are on the inside than how you present yourself on the outside.
Do you realize that it is the Lord who calls us and commands us to be willing to do what is asked of us, and gives what is requested of us from a willing heart? God and others expect us to have a willing heart and a whole heart in our being and doing.
You must first be willing, in order to be able to do something with all your whole heart. Willingness and wholeheartedness describe the state and condition in which we engage in our actions.
What does it Mean to be Willing?
Willingness refers to a sense of freedom of volition and readiness. It originates from a primitive root meaning to impel, suggesting a sense of volunteering (like a soldier) or offering oneself spontaneously. This includes actions such as giving freely and being agreeable. It’s a subjective agreeability. In this context, it signifies choosing or preferring — either literally or figuratively. It also implies a desire, or inclination, to do something which can sometimes be expressed adverbially as gladly. Additionally, it can refer to future intentions or, in a Hebraic sense, to be delighting in something. Thus, willingness encompasses desires, delight, dispositions, determination, devotion, intentions, preferences, and the overall sense of what one means or wishes to do. Willingness also involves acting of one’s own accord and initiative.
What does it Mean to do Something with your Whole Heart?
The term whole refers to the concept of entirety, encompassing all aspects, every part, and the totality of an object, mass, or collective entity. It signifies completeness and a sense of totality.
This term is derived from the primary root kar, which traces back to the Latin cor, meaning heart. In this sense, it represents not only the physical heart but also the thoughts and feelings of the mind, as well as the central point of an idea or concept. The hear is the internal organ used figuratively to denote emotions, volition, desires, and even intellect. It can refer to the center of anything, and is associated with terms such as care, comfort, consent, consideration, courage, friendship, and various emotional states (e.g., broken-hearted, hard-hearted, merry-hearted, stiff-hearted, stout-hearted). Additionally, it relates to concepts such as mindfulness, understanding, and willingness. The heart is associated with conscience, which denotes the psychological capacity to discern right from wrong (Ge 20:5). Heart also refers to the physical area of the chest, anatomically termed the heart, meaning the thoracic cavity of a creature.
The Importance and Impact
The importance and impact of having a willing heart, and engaging in activities wholeheartedly, are profound. The Lord places greater importance and attention on the inner person. He calls and commands willingness (Isa. 1:19) and instructs us to give from a willing heart (Exo. 25:1–2). The Lord does not see as humans do; He doesn’t focus on outward appearances or physical stature but instead looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7). The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intentions of our thoughts (1 Chron. 28:9). The Lord tests the heart (1 Chron. 29:17)
The Origin
The origin of willingness can be traced back to God. It is God who places in our hearts the ability to choose, care, and have concern for someone or something, as 2 Corinthians 8:16 illustrates with God’s influence on Titus, who developed a similar concern for the church as did Apostle Paul.
Willingness can come from God’s power, as Psalms 110:3 indicates: “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Willingness can also derive from God’s pleasure, as Philippians 2:13 states, “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Additionally, willingness is motivated by what pleases God, as Hebrews 13:21 indicates that it is God who makes us complete in every good work to do His will, and it pleases God to work in us through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Being willing or wholehearted can also arise from knowing. To have a willing heart comes from understanding what is expected of you, as in being created, called, chosen, commanded, or commissioned to do something. To engage wholeheartedly stems from knowing what is required of you, as in being created, called, chosen, commanded, or commissioned to do a task.
Willingness and wholeheartedness can also derive from our inner workings and motivations. To have a willing heart, and to engage wholeheartedly in any given task, can arise from an inward motivation from God, oneself, or others. Exodus 35:21 illustrates an example of the inner workings of willingness to act, particularly in the context of giving to God’s work. It states that everyone whose heart was stirred (move or cause to move slightly), and whose spirit was willing, came forward to contribute to the work of the Tabernacle of meeting, all its services and other needs.
The Nature
Willingness is rooted in both the physical body and the inner self. Here are some phrases that convey this idea: Willing Spirit, Heart Stirred, and Willing Heart. Both your spirit and soul (heart and mind) must be engaged and wholehearted when undertaking or giving something. A willing heart has an open spirit. It is essential for your heart to be stirred, and for your spirit to be willing. A description of a willing heart also includes loyalty; one can possess a willing mind as well (2 Corinthians 8:12). Willingness encompasses not just the heart but also the spirit, soul, mind, and body.
When there is no wholeheartedness in seeking God, or in doing something for Him, it can be expressed through distance. For instance, Jeremiah 12:2 indicates that we may be close to God in our words, professing our faith, but in reality, we can be very far from Him in our thoughts, while not having Him in our minds at all. Therefore, when someone truly puts their whole heart into someone or something, their mind is also involved and invested, not just their mouth.
The Evidence of Being Willing and Wholeheartedly
Willingness is evident in your disposition to act. It is expressed through your natural inclinations and the motivations that drive you to take action. Being willing is reflected in your desire to do something, or to be something which indicates eagerness. Being willing is reflected in your delight in doing something. This willingness is shown through the joy you find in doing something. Being willing is reflected in your ongoing devotion to doing something. This is also evident in your sustained commitment to your efforts. Being willing showcases your determination to persevere despite obstacles and challenges. It indicates that you are resolute in what you are doing, regardless of the cost or challenges that arise.
List of Examples and Exhibiting Willingness and Wholeheartedness
Examples of Exhibiting Willingness
In the Area of Giving
We can also demonstrate willingness and wholeheartedness with respect to giving. Ways to give include both monetary and non-monetary contributions. The purpose of giving may be aimed at charitable support and specific projects, such as a building fund. In the Bible, we see examples of the children of God, the Israelites, being called to participate in God’s Tabernacle project led by Moses. The Israelites brought offerings; some contributed resources like gold, silver, and bronze, personal items such as jewellery, while others offered their talents and skills for the Tabernacle project. This must be done with a willing heart, as indicated in Exodus 25:1–2 and Exodus 35:5.
We are called and instructed to be generous to the needy and poor. The Bible provides such a commandment from God in the book of Deuteronomy 15:7–11, urging us to extend our hands and provide for those close to us who are in need and impoverished, as well as for our neighbours and strangers, since such needy people will always be among us.
As Christians, we are called to support the Lord’s people by giving in church and helping our fellow brothers and sisters, in faith, according to what we have. This should be done willingly, as emphasized in 2 Corinthians 8:10–12
The Bible encourages both leaders and ordinary people to embrace the practice of giving. It teaches that everyone should give according to their means and from a willing and whole heart.
In the Area of Leadership, Public Service & Ministry
In public leadership and service, both leaders and citizens should demonstrate their willingness and commitment to one another. Leaders must exemplify a willingness to serve the people wholeheartedly, as the people’s hearts and loyalty will align with their leaders (Judges 5:9). In the Song of Deborah and Barak from Judges 5:1–2, it is illustrated that when leaders lead effectively, the people willingly offer themselves to honour, support, and serve the administration.
In a ministry context, we can exhibit willingness and wholeheartedness when church leaders or ministers shepherd God’s flock. They are called to be eager and willing, not out of selfish ambition, gain, or a thirst for power, but rather, to set an example for the flock (1 Peter 5:2–3). Ministers in the church must be willing and committed to do what they are asked, using their gifts and fulfilling their calling, as Titus was sent to receive the collection, reflecting his willing and obedient heart, as indicated in 2 Corinthians 8:16–17.
In the Area of Work
David’s instruction to Solomon regarding his relationship with God was to know the God of your father (1 Chronicles 28:9). David also instructed Solomon to serve God with a loyal heart and a willing mind (1 Chronicles 28:9). As a result, Solomon’s responsibility for building the temple for worship was his greatest achievement in life, surpassing his wisdom and wealth. The virtuous and noble woman in Proverbs 31 is depicted as someone who works willingly with her hands (Proverbs 31:13). She is not compelled to work out of necessity, or obligation, but does so freely. Her efforts are not born of desperation; rather, they stem from a sense of duty to help provide for her family. She is motivated by a desire to make a difference, as she extends her hands to the poor and takes delight in her work, fueled by her passion for what she does.
In the Area of Consecrating Yourself to God
To consecrate is to set apart, be separate, and be holy for God’s use or purposes. The children of Israel in their time, and Christians now, are called to consecrate themselves to the Lord, and must do so willingly, not out of compulsion or control (1 Chronicles 29:5).
Examples and Exhibiting Wholeheartedness
In the Area of Returning & Repentance
Just a note that confession is not the same as repentance. Confession is the act of communicating through the mouth, whereas repentance is a change of mind. The mouth can speak, but the mind isn’t necessarily engaged. Repentance means a change of mind that leads to a change in behaviour. Returning to God is the first step towards repentance. You can only repent when you return to the source of light, truth, and righteousness. This return to God must be genuine and serious, and it must be done with your whole heart, in order to be committed and to experience true transformation in repentance, as indicated in Joel 2:12–13.
In Jeremiah 3:10, the Lord confirms that He knows, sees, and searches the hearts, able to detect and affirm that Judah has not truly returned to Him, but only in pretense. If Judah were to truly return, God would not have to search their hearts and find that they didn’t turn to Him with their whole heart. True repentance stems from a heart willing and wholly returning to God. It takes God’s power to draw people to return to Him with their whole hearts, as opposed to half-heartedly.
In the Area of Seeking God
God seeks those who desire to pursue Him, just as we pursue other valuable aspects of life. Many of us fail to recognize the value and necessity of God, which is why we often do not make the effort to seek Him, or invest in that pursuit. Should you choose to seek the Lord, remember that you must do so with your whole heart, as indicated in Psalms 119:2. David has sought the Lord with his whole heart, and that is why God spoke of and confirmed, with such an honourable and highest reputation of David, that he was a man after God’s heart; because David has sought God with his whole heart and with his whole life.
In the Area of the Word of God
The word of God encompasses all Scriptures in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. It includes these interchangeable terms and references, such as commandments, law, precepts, and statutes. We are to read to the word of God. We are to study the word of God. The question is, how do we, or should we, approach the word of God? We ought to seek the Lord with our whole heart, starting by walking in His commandments, as Psalms 119:10 indicates. We are commanded by God to keep His law, but let it be done with our whole heart as Psalms 119:34 indicates. We are called and commanded to keep God’s precepts with our whole hearts, as indicated by Psalms 119:69. Additionally, we are called and commanded to keep the statutes of the Lord, again with our whole hearts, as indicated in Psalms 119:145.
Heart
In the Area of Knowing
To truly know someone takes time, learning, experience, and genuine interaction. This process begins with a desire to pursue a genuine relationship with the person, driven by an interest in getting to know them and aiming to truly understand them — not by force from a willingness. As stated in Jeremiah 24:7, it is ultimately God who can give us a new heart, or transform our existing heart to know Him. Therefore, knowing God begins with the heart.
In the Area of Loving God
We can show wholeheartedness in loving God. The Scribes asked Jesus a vital and profound question about which is the first or greatest commandment of all. Jesus’s answer summarizes all the commandments with one word: Love. Therefore, we are called and commanded to love God with our entirety, expressed through all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths.
In the Area of Praying
When we pray, do we do so casually and carelessly, without intention or aim? Do we only pray when we are in trouble or facing challenges? Or do we see prayer as a way of daily conversing and connecting with God? How do we approach our prayers, or better yet, why do we pray in the first place? What is the motive behind it? God desires us to pray to Him, not just on one occasion but daily, in every situation we find ourselves in, whether pleasant or unpleasant. God permits us to call on Him, to cry out to Him, and to consult Him. However, He wants us to do this with our hearts, which shows that we are genuine, serious, intentional, and determined (Hosea 7:14). When we pray by conversing with God, crying out to God, calling on Him, and consulting Him, and it is done with our whole heart, we can be assured that God will hear our prayers, as stated in Psalm 119:58, 145.
In the Area of Praising
Praise is one of those things, along with glory, that God does not share with anyone. That’s why God hates pride and embraces the humble. The humble worship God and give Him the glory; without God, they are nothing and can do nothing. Those who are proud can’t give God the glory and can’t praise Him. Praise is due to God and God alone; nothing else and no one else. God desires and calls for us to praise Him, but it must be done with a whole heart, not half-heartedly, as Psalms 111:1 and Psalms 138:1 show David as an example of someone praising God with their whole heart.
In the Area of Action/Activity/Acquisition — Good or Bad
We can display wholeheartedness in what we do, whether positive or negative, as we are fully committed and determined to get what we want at any cost, or at the expense of anyone, or anything. An example in this context is Ezekiel 36:5, where the Lord expressed His jealousy against the nations because these nations, in their hearts and minds, were committed and determined in their invasion to plunder and possess God’s land for His people. God’s actions towards us stem from His willingness, and God puts His heart into them. The greatest display of God’s readiness and wholeheartedness is in John 3:16; out of love, God gave His best, His Son, as the indescribable gift of sacrifice for our sins. Such great love in action has never existed or will ever exist for humanity.
Application
A willing and whole heart is free from the following, as described in Philippians 2:14–15: Do all things without complaining or disputing. The reason is so that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. In 1 Peter 5:2, a willing and whole heart is characterized by shepherding the flock of God that is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion, but willingly.
Displaying a willing heart and a whole heart is essential in making decisions according to one’s own accord, as 2 Corinthians 8:16–17 illustrates. This involves taking the initiative, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 8:16–17, and engaging fully without pretense, as indicated in Jeremiah 3:10.
We must be prepared willingly and wholeheartedly to sacrifice our time, privileges, power, and positions to follow Christ. Be willingly delighted and wholeheartedly committed to doing the will of God. Would you be willing and fully committed to go wherever the Spirit leads you?
Summary
A willing and wholehearted commitment is evident in both our inner being and our outer doings. This commitment is summarized by Jesus in Mark 12:29–31, which states that love encompasses all the commandments of God. We can learn from this when pursuing a relationship, and engaging in the things of God. We must approach this with all our heart (internal), all our soul (internal), all our mind (understanding, internal), and all our strength (body, external).
God calls us to desire and delight in Him willingly and to trust and love Him wholeheartedly. The Bible emphasizes this commitment with several verses:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart.” — Deuteronomy 6:5
“Love the Lord with all your heart.” — Luke 10:27
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” — Proverbs 3:5
“Love God with all your heart.” — Mark 12:33
These passages remind us of the importance of devoting our entire being to our relationship with God. God seeks those who are willing to wholeheartedly surrender their hearts to Him and Him alone.
Contributor: Wisdom Grace
