My beautiful Tewahedo Orthodox sister, this is a question we must gently and honestly ask ourselves: Where is my heart before God?
Not where we appear to be before others, and not merely what we profess with our lips, but where our heart truly stands in His sight. God sees beyond our outward actions and appearances. He looks deep within, examining our desires, priorities, motives, and affections.
Does our heart genuinely long for Him? Does it seek His presence, treasure His Word, and desire to walk in His ways? Or have other things quietly taken His place?
Sometimes, the heart grows cold. This often does not happen suddenly, but little by little. Prayer becomes less frequent, the desire for truth begins to fade, and the heart slowly follows its own will instead of God’s will. A person may become consumed with self, distractions, and the things of this world, living without awareness of God’s presence. As it is written, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God…” (Romans 8:7, NKJV).
Yet even in this state, there is still hope, because God, in His endless mercy, continues to call us back to Him with love and patience.
There are also times when the heart becomes lukewarm, which many quietly struggle with. This is when someone knows God, yet is not fully committed to Him. They may attend church, yet their heart remains divided. They try to hold on to both God and the world, lacking consistency in prayer, fasting, and spiritual discipline. A divided heart keeps a person from growing deeper in their relationship with God.
Scripture warns us clearly: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16, NKJV).
These words are not meant to condemn us or push us away, but to awaken us — to lovingly call us into a deeper, more sincere commitment with Christ.
Then there is the heart that burns for God. This is where our hearts should be, regardless of our circumstances. A Tewahedo Orthodox girl whose heart burns for God is not living a life of perfection, but a life centered on Christ—a life of continually returning to Him with sincerity, faith, repentance, and love. She has a heart that seeks God. Her deepest desire is to draw ever closer to the One who loves her so greatly that He suffered, died on the Cross, and rose again for her salvation.
She attends Church regularly, and faithfully participates in the Holy Sacraments. She prays and fasts with purpose, striving to grow in humility, obedience, and love for God. When she stumbles, she does not remain fallen or allow discouragement to overcome her. Instead, she rises again through repentance, strengthened by God’s grace and upheld by His abundant mercy.
As it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16, NKJV).
My beautiful sister, do not be discouraged by where you are today. Instead, be encouraged by God’s endless mercy. No matter how far you feel you have fallen or how weak you think you are, His mercy is greater than your failures.
Don’t wait until you feel “good enough” to come to God. Come as you are, with a humble and repentant heart, trusting in His mercy. He is faithful to strengthen those who seek Him and to guide those who desire to walk in His ways.
Come to Him with a heart that seeks God.
Take that step today and …
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
—James 4:8, NKJV—
Selam Seyoum