Hearts Set Apart, Arms Open Wide

Living with purpose in a world that needs His love

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been on a journey of intentional surrender. In Blog 1, “You Can Have All This World – Living A Life Surrendered to Jesus“ we uncovered the subtle ways our hearts get entangled with the comforts, distractions, and values of the world—and how God lovingly calls us to let go and live set apart. Then, in Blog 2, “Just Give Me Jesus – Seeking Him Above All Else” we took a step closer, choosing to seek Him above all else—not just with our words, but with our lives, our longings, and our choices.

But what does this all really mean in practice? What does it look like to say, “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus,” and actually live it out with joy and boldness in the real world? That’s where we’re headed now.

What It Means to Live Set Apart with Love

As followers of Jesus, we’ve been set apart. Chosen. Called to be holy. But what does that actually look like in our everyday lives?

It’s not about isolating ourselves or looking down on others.
It’s not about retreating from a world that’s hurting.
It’s about living lives so rooted in Christ that His love overflows from us to the world around us.

Being “set apart” doesn’t mean closing our hearts—it means opening them wider with purpose and intentionality.

Why Holiness Begins in the Heart

Jesus prayed for us in John 17, saying:

“They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth… As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.”
—John 17:16–18

We’re not of this world—but we’ve been sent into it. That means we’re not called to blend in. We’re called to shine.

Being “set apart” starts in the heart. It means choosing holiness over compromise. Devotion over distraction. Purpose over popularity.

It means being willing to look different… because we’re living for Someone different.

Loving Others Without Compromise

We don’t live set apart to hide from the world. We live set apart to love the world.

That means:

• Welcoming the broken and the messy
• Extending grace to those who don’t believe yet
• Being a light in dark places—not from a pedestal, but with humility
• Carrying the fragrance of Christ into every space we enter

Like Jesus, we are both holy and compassionate. Truth-filled and grace-giving. We don’t compromise God’s standards—but we also don’t withhold His love.

Living Holy Lives with Purpose

Living on purpose for His glory means living differently on purpose.
Not just when it’s easy—but especially when it’s not.

It means:
• Choosing integrity when no one’s watching
• Refusing to gossip or slander, even when it’s popular
• Walking away from toxic conversations, even when we want to stay
• Speaking truth in love, not silence in fear
• Standing firm without becoming hard-hearted

This is holiness that reaches, not hides. Holiness that embraces, not excludes. Holiness that reflects His heart.

Real Life Looks Like…

• Inviting someone to church—even if they say no
  • Serving a neighbor with no strings attached
  • Being kind when others are cruel
  • Praying for someone right in the middle of the grocery aisle
  • Speaking truth into a friend’s life—with gentleness and love

We don’t always get it right. But when our hearts are set on Him, our lives will naturally point others to Him.

Pray with me

Lord,
Set my heart apart for You.
Make me holy as You are holy.
Not so I can be distant—but so I can be more like You.
Help me live with open arms, loving others the way You love me.
Let my life reflect Your light.
Let me live life on purpose for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Want to Go Deeper?

Download this week’s reflection journal:

“Living Set Apart with Love”

Includes:
• Journaling prompts about holiness and love
• Scripture study and cross-references
• Prayer for compassion and boldness
• Practical ways to live set apart in a world that needs Jesus

📥 Download Now

Let’s Keep Living Life on Purpose

This wraps up our 3-part blog series, “Living Life on Purpose for His Glory.”
We’ve explored surrender, pursuit, and now, being set apart.

But really, this is just the beginning.
Let’s keep choosing Him.
Let’s keep making Him known—right where we are.

One surrendered step. One holy choice. One act of love at a time.