Jesus Thaws My Frozen Heart

Plus, what is a frozen heart?

Did you know that physical temperature can be used to describe the way a person interacts with others? For example, have you ever heard someone describe another person as “cold?” Maybe you’ve even heard the phrase, “She gave me the cold shoulder.” It’s a common way to describe an individual who isn’t thinking about another person’s feelings. Oppositely, warmth is often used to describe someone who is using their heart in their thinking process, allowing them to consider others’ feelings, not just their own.

Stop and think: Have you ever experienced someone acting cold-hearted to you or to someone else? What happened? How did it make you feel? On the other hand, when have you experienced the warmth of another’s actions, and how did it affect you?

In the Disney movie Frozen, Queen Elsa is described as having a “frozen heart.” Her heart wasn’t actually frozen like an ice cube. If it was, she wouldn’t have been able to keep living! But sometimes it makes sense to call a heart “frozen” because the heart is the place in our body where we associate (though not necessarily accurately) our emotions and the relational side of us. Sometimes emotions and relationships can be difficult to navigate. When they are, we may feel heart-sick. We may struggle to put others first and do good to them. If your heart is “frozen” in fear, for example, it may affect your willingness to do the things you can and should do. Another emotion that can make our hearts feel frozen is anger. A heart that is frozen in anger may intentionally or unintentionally rejoice in being mean to others.

Quick fact: Did you know that fear is the number one reason people choose not to do the right thing?

In the rising action of Frozen, we see Elsa’s heart become so filled with fear of letting others see her mistakes and imperfections, that it turns to anger. We notice she begins hurting those who care most about her. It’s not surprising that other characters in the movie begin speculating that Elsa’s heart could very well be frozen.

The lovable snowman Olaf bursts onto the scene with the reminder that “True love thaws a frozen heart.” Fear freezes a heart; love thaws it. The greatest love we can put our trust in is the love of God, our Father, who sent His son Jesus to be our Savior, to take our sin and imperfections upon Himself and, by grace, give us new life. Because Jesus took away all of our mistakes, we no longer have to live in fear of rejection like Elsa. God accepts us and loves us.

The Bible tells us: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” -1 John 4:18

Reflection and Prayer:

Your own frozen heart:

Have you ever experienced a frozen heart?
How did you act?
What did it feel like?
How can trusting in God’s love help thaw it?

Helping someone else with a frozen heart:

Have you ever encountered someone else whose heart seemed to be frozen?
How can you show love to that person?
Will it be easy?
Just like Anna did for Elsa, we can share Jesus by participating in selfless acts of love for others. Anna was willing to sacrifice her whole life for her sister. List some ways you want to follow Jesus in loving others.

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POSTED BY

Jenna

Jenna Kruse is a teacher but not in a classroom. She loves to think outside the box and inside the Word and is daily in need of an attitude adjustment. She is a wife to Justin, a mother to three school-aged children, and a mentor to teenagers and young adults. You can learn more about the heart behind her blog HERE.

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