Circumcision of the Heart

The Old Testament practice of physical circumcision served as a visible sign of inclusion within the covenant community of Israel. Exodus 12:48 illustrates this, stating that uncircumcised males, even sojourners, were excluded from participating in the Passover.

However, the concept of “circumcision” extends beyond the physical act. Given our understanding of biology in the 21st century, the phrase “circumcision of the heart” cannot be a literal surgical procedure. Instead, it must refer to a spiritual transformation, a work that transcends the natural realm and can only be accomplished by God.

This spiritual circumcision signifies a deeper level of inclusion than mere participation in a feast or inheritance. It speaks to an intimate connection with God, enabling us to:

• Understand God’s perspective: To “see the heart of God” implies a profound comprehension of His values, desires, and character.
• Empathize with God’s feelings: To “feel what He feels” suggests a deep alignment of our emotions with His.
• Share God’s affections and aversions: To “love what He loves and to hate what He hates” indicates a fundamental shift in our priorities and moral compass, mirroring God’s own.

Consequently, this inward transformation leads to outward actions that reflect God’s character:

• An inherent drive for justice: We are not just obligated to act justly, but we are internally compelled to respond to injustice.
• A deep sensitivity to kindness: We not only value kindness but are deeply disturbed by its absence.
• Genuine humility: Our humility stems not from self-deprecation based on personal achievements, but from a recognition of our shared human condition of sin and falling short of God’s glory.

This “circumcision of the heart,” this profound spiritual renewal, appears to be a prerequisite for conforming to the image of Christ. It is the internal work that aligns our desires and motivations with God’s will.

While we rely on medical professionals and tests to assess the condition of our physical hearts, the state of our spiritual hearts is a matter between each individual and God.

The crucial question we must then ask ourselves is: Can we honestly assess our inner being and confidently say that we possess the kind of transformed heart that God desires – a heart that reflects His love, justice, and humility?