Several years ago, the Wall Street Journal published a very moving story of a 16-year-old girl who received a heart transplant. The article described the difficult and emotional process involved in obtaining a transplant. Finally, one day, the family received the wonderful news that a heart had become available.
The transplant surgery was a success and when the girl was feeling better, she asked her doctor about the donor and the donor’s family. Because of the laws of confidentiality, the medical staff did not reveal the name of the donor but suggested that this young girl write a letter to the family, and they promised to forward the letter. The letter said:
“Dear family, I am the recipient of the heart that you were generous enough to donate in the midst of your own personal family tragedy. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to suffer the loss, and then to offer the organs so that other people could live. I feel a great responsibility to live my life so that your sacrifice will be worthwhile, and I can’t express to you the gratitude that I and my family feel for saving my life. If you ever desire to contact me, I would be more than happy to know you. And I hope that you know that I feel responsible to bring honor to your family as well as mine.”
After I read this letter, I was reminded of the heart transplant that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ — including me — has received (Ezek. 36:25-26). Everyone who has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has received a new heart — a second chance at life — thanks to the Great Physician. Perhaps, we need to write a letter to our heart donor similar to this:
“Dear Lord, I am the recipient of the heart that you were generous enough to provide at the cost of your only Son. I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for you to suffer the loss, and to offer Him on the cross so that other people could live. I feel a great responsibility to live my life so that your sacrifice will be worthwhile, and I can’t express to you the gratitude I feel for saving my soul. And I hope that you know that I feel responsible to bring honor to you and your family (the church) as well as mine.”
Have you told the Lord how thankful you are for all He has done for you lately? Today would be a great day to tell Him! Gratitude is one of the clearest signs of a changed heart.
