ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have Jesus in one's heart

idiom
Meaning

To be a firm believer in the Christian faith.


Origin

disputed origin

Possibly a reference to Ephesians 3:14 and 17 of the Bible (King James Version, spelling modernized): “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, […] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, […]”.

Examples
SIMPLE

She says she has Jesus in her heart.

CONTEXTUAL

He credits his recovery from addiction to having Jesus in his heart and finding a supportive church community.

COMPLEX

Throughout the hardships of her long life, she maintained a quiet strength, often telling others that she had Jesus in her heart to guide her.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

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