Heart Religion and Social Transformation - Story

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John Wesley emphasized that true Christianity involves both a warm heart and active hands. The Emmaus disciples experienced this when Jesus walked with them—their hearts burned within them (Luke 24:32). This 'heart religion' is the Methodist hallmark: faith that transforms both the individual and society. Wesley taught about prevenient grace—God's grace that goes before us, preparing our hearts to receive the Gospel. Unlike those who believe we are totally depraved and unable to respond, Methodists affirm that God's prevenient grace enables all people to choose Him. This grace is universal, preceding our decision and making genuine choice possible. But personal piety alone isn't enough. Wesley insisted there's no holiness but social holiness. James 2:14-17 reinforces this: faith without works is dead. Our transformed hearts must produce transformed communities. Early Methodists led movements against slavery, for prison reform, and for workers' rights. They understood that loving God and loving neighbor are inseparable (1 John 4:20). The Methodist path involves both personal sanctification and social transformation. We seek to grow in grace, moving from justification toward perfection in love. This isn't perfectionism—it's the biblical call to love God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves. True revival always produces both personal renewal and social reform.