There are organs within the body that become diseased or damaged but are not considered life-threatening. This is not true of the heart.(Acts 2:37)

 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

(Acts 2:37)

Almost anything that attacks the heart will affect the entire body. There are many symptoms that alert the body when there is a heart problem. There may be pain or an unusual feeling in the chest. There may be weakness, dizziness, blood pressure issues, or many other things. If neglected or untreated, the heart will become an unexpected means of death.

In Acts 2, Peter has preached a message to his Jewish brothers who have gathered for the Feast of Pentecost. He speaks of how the scriptures had spoken of Christ who would come, be crucified, and be raised the third day. Peter told them that they were the ones who fulfilled the prophecy of crucifying the Lord, and that God fulfilled the prophecy by raising Him from the dead. Another prophecy was being fulfilled that day also. The Holy Spirit that Jesus had spoken to His disciples about has now come, because Jesus had ascended back to His Father!

The Holy Spirit is the Comforter of broken hearts, but we see Him as a “pricker” of sinful hearts also. This pricking of the heart affected the hearers of the message in ways they never expected or felt before. Because it was the heart, they knew there was something wrong, for they felt bad all over! Thankfully, the One who pricks the heart is the One who heals the heart. Upon receiving the message and yielding to the Holy Spirit, the heart is better than it has ever been before.

We know that scripture isn’t speaking of a literal organ, but is using literal language to enforce a spiritual meaning. The Holy Spirit may step on our toes, He may trouble our minds, but He brings new life into old bodies by the pricking and healing of the heart.

If you have a heart problem (sin), I know a good Doctor!