I have a relative who recently underwent open heart surgery. Considering the seriousness of this operation, he is doing well.  

Open heart surgery is needed to repair diseased heart valves or blocked arteries. Either way, both conditions prevent the flow of blood to the heart resulting in heart failure. 

All human beings, regardless of color have blood —red blood— flowing through our veins.   

In addition to blood, it’s said that love also flows from our hearts. This got me to thinking:

• What form of surgical procedure is needed when our hearts fail to produce love? 
• Can we repair a diseased culture of pure evil and contempt toward others? 
• Is there a way to unblock hatred and change the trajectory of ill intent? 

Acts 16:14 reminds us of this, “Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” 

The Bible says God opened the heart of a woman to receive and heed to the words of one who was sent. God didn’t need a scalpel. He didn’t crack her ribcage. 

The woman didn’t need a hospital or medication.  She did however, need to submit herself to a physician—The Ultimate Physician and Almighty God. 

Allow God to open your heart so that you can love others in spite of what you see. Treat people with respect regardless of the color of their skin, their educational aptitude or financial status. Seek to do good and honor human life—whatever the outward form. 

Allow love to flow through your heart.  Allow God to conduct open heart surgery.