Heart enlargement

"I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart" (Psalm 119:32).

People are paying money to enlarge various and surprising parts of their bodies these days, but I just want my heart enlarged. And this wonderful verse is my permission to ask. Isn't it delightful that God tips us off about what to seek and then is pleased to grant our requests? (Like St. Augustine said: "Lord, command what you will, and grant what you command.")

Paul the apostle also spoke of expansion of heart capacity:

"We have spoken to you freely, Corinthians; our heart is wide open. . . . Make room in your hearts for us" (2 Corinthians 6:11; 7:2).

I see two compatible messages here: The Psalm tells me that it is God's prerogative to enlarge a heart. He is love itself (1 John 4:8), so even a mere billionth of the love He has to offer will do.

The letter to Corinth tells me that it is my rightful obedience to open my own heart. Paul does not say that I am to wait around until God changes me; He exhorts me to make room in my own heart. (Another version puts it:

"Open your hearts wide!")

I am excited about both aspects of this paradoxical state of affairs.

First, I am excited that it is legitimate to pray for an enlarged heart. There are prayer requests that one makes doubtfully, but not this one. It may not be altogether obvious that God wants me to have a Jaguar XJ, but there is no doubt in my mind that he doesn't want my heart to be "two sizes too small," like the Grinch who stole Christmas.

Secondly, I am excited that it is legitimate for me to try to love God and people in a very conscious and deliberate way-in praying, in thinking, in choosing, in planning, in cooperating with the Spirit by "putting on" (Colossians 3:12) acts that are loving.

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