What did Jesus mean when He said that a river of living water can flow from the heart?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: What did Jesus mean when He said that a river of living water can flow from the heart? – S.M.
A: Jesus summed up the whole matter of genuine Christianity when He said, “He who believes in Me … out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38, NKJV). Christianity is, first, a coming to Christ – an inflowing of the Living Water; obedience to His Word put into practice, and it is a reaching toward others – an outflowing. It is to be shared in love, mercy, and compassion.
A body of water that has an inlet but no outlet becomes a stagnant pond. When we think of Christianity as experience, emotions, ecstasy, joy, faith – with no desire to share mercifully with others – we can only boast of stagnation; not living, vital, flowing life!
Jesus emphasizes that we are to be unchoked channels through which His love and mercy flow out to other people. Satan does not care how much you theorize about Christianity or how much we profess to know Christ. What he opposes vigorously is the way you live and abide in Him. God’s people become instruments of mercy, compassion, and love through which He manifests Himself to the world. If Satan can take the mercy out of Christianity, he has killed its effectiveness. Living water is an intaking and then an outgiving. Jesus said in our outgiving we would find happiness.
A 65-year-old lady said, “My children are all married, my husband is dead, and I am one of the loneliest people in all the world.” It was suggested to her that she find a way to serve others and earn a right to share her faith in Christ. It didn’t take her long to exclaim, “I am the happiest woman in town. I have found a new joy and happiness by showing mercy to those God puts in my pathway.” That’s exactly what Jesus promised.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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