February 28: Growing a Heart Like His

by Dr. Tracey-Ann Trail

Key Text: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

There are days when I take God at His word. I humble myself. I allow Him to lead through life’s responsibilities and challenges. But often that surrender is short-lived. Life happens, Pressure builds. Before I realize it, my mindset shifts from humility to pride, grace to reaction, service to self-protection, from trust to control.

Yet, in the middle of real life, Philippians 2:5 gently calls us higher. “Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.” This scripture is a strong reminder that God is not merely concerned with our actions but with the source of those actions—our thinking.

Jesus had every right to assert His power, yet He chose humility. He served when He deserved to be served. He obeyed even when it cost Him everything. For us, that may mean staying calm when disrespected, responding gently when misunderstood, forgiving when bitterness feels justified, or letting God defend us instead of defending ourselves. It may mean pausing before sending that text, softening our tone in a tense conversation, or choosing peace when our emotions rise. Therefore, in moments when you feel overlooked at work, when your kindness isn’t returned, when you’re tired of always being the “strong one,” or when your prayers seem unanswered, pause and ask, “Jesus, how would You think right now?”

Growing a heart like His does not mean being weak. It means being spiritually strong enough to choose love when your flesh wants to react. It is not about perfection. It is about daily surrender. Every time we choose humility, we grow. Every time we choose grace, we become more like Him. Every time we trust rather than control, our hearts are shaped. It is a daily decision, sometimes moment-to-moment, to let His mindset replace our own.

However, no matter how often we falter, let us remember that growing a heart like His is a process. You do not have to be perfect; you only need to be willing. And He is faithful to complete the beautiful work He has begun in you and in me.

 

Prayer

Lord, teach me daily to think like You. When I want to react, help me reflect. When I want to control, help me trust. When my pride rises, humility grows in me. Father, I surrender to you, continue to shape my thoughts until my heart mirrors Yours. Amen