Characteristics of a heart of flesh

      The Bible often contrasts a heart of stone with a heart of flesh to illustrate the transformation that occurs when a person turns to God. A heart of stone is hardened, resistant, and unresponsive to God, while a heart of flesh is soft, sensitive, and willing to follow Him. This transformation is mentioned in Ezekiel 36:26, where God promises: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

      This new heart symbolizes a life that is renewed, aligned with God’s will, and led by the Holy Spirit. Below are the key characteristics of a heart of flesh:

1. A Heart of Flesh is Soft and Teachable

      A heart of flesh is receptive to God’s instruction. Unlike a hardened heart that resists correction, a soft heart is humble and eager to learn from the Lord. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of a teachable spirit:

● Psalm 25:4-5 – “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me.”

● Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding.”

      This kind of heart seeks wisdom and allows God’s Word to shape its thoughts and actions.

2. A Heart of Flesh is Sensitive to God’s Voice

      A hardened heart ignores or resists the voice of God, while a heart of flesh listens carefully and responds. Jesus said:

● John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

      A person with a heart of flesh is quick to recognize God’s guidance and is convicted of sin when they stray. The Holy Spirit softens their heart, making them more responsive to God’s promptings:

● Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

      This heart is tender toward God and eager to do what pleases Him.

3. A Heart of Flesh is Loving and Compassionate

      One of the most noticeable traits of a heart of flesh is love for God and others. Jesus taught that love is the greatest commandment:

● Matthew 22:37-39 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.”

      A soft heart is compassionate and extends mercy to others, just as God has shown mercy:

● Colossians 3:12-13 – “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.”

      It does not hold grudges or act with bitterness but seeks reconciliation and peace.

4. A Heart of Flesh is Obedient to God’s Will

      A heart of flesh is not only willing to listen to God but also ready to obey Him. It desires to follow His commands, not out of obligation, but from a place of love and trust:

● Ezekiel 11:19-20 – “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

      This kind of heart submits to God’s authority and actively seeks to live in righteousness. It does not resist Him or insist on its way.

5. A Heart of Flesh is Spiritually Alive

      A heart of flesh is alive through the Holy Spirit. Before knowing Christ, people are spiritually dead in sin, but through salvation, God gives them new life:

● Romans 8:9-10 – “If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.”

       This new heart produces spiritual fruit, reflecting the nature of Christ:

● Galatians 5:22-23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

      A person with a heart of flesh exhibits these qualities in their daily life.

     A heart of flesh is soft, teachable, sensitive to God, loving, obedient, and spiritually alive. It is a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace and is continually shaped by His Spirit. The Bible encourages believers to seek this transformation so they can live in alignment with God’s purpose.