For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any twoedged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Have you ever been misunderstood?
It is a terrible feeling.
Sometimes there is no way to remedy it. People make up their minds what you meant or judge the situation differently than it was intended. God never misjudges intentions. He knows our intentions. Whether they are right or wrong, good or bad. We will be judged by our deeds and the intentions of our heart.
I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins,
even to give every man according to his ways,
and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17:10
We also have to caution ourselves not to judge the intentions of others. We cannot see the intentions of any one. That is left up to God.
Shall not God search this out?
for He knoweth the secrets of the heart. Psalm 44:21
That scripture focuses on the purpose of the heart. God doesn’t want service only. He wants true intentions, toward Him. Doing things just because we are supposed to does not please God.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give;
not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
We know God looks on the heart. He sees our intentions. He knows our motives. Are they pure? Are they filled with a desire to serve Jesus or are they to make us look good in front of others? Or some other form of praise for ourselves?
I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart
I have willingly offered all these things:
and now have I seen with joy thy people,
which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee. 1 Chronicles 29:17
Your children or those who are in your life, you don’t want them to have to do things or to do things for you begrudgingly, but to desire to do things with a glad heart because they care about you and what is important to you.
God is the same.