# have Jesus in one's heart

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-jesus-in-ones-heart
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be a firm believer in the Christian faith.

## Examples

- She says she has Jesus in her heart.
- He credits his recovery from addiction to having Jesus in his heart and finding a supportive church community.
- 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.

## 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, […]”. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.