What Does “A Man After My Own Heart” Mean? 

Have you ever experienced that feeling of connection when you meet someone for the first time and discover you have a lot in common? This is a person after your own heart. The phrase, “a man after my own heart” refers to someone who has similar values, interests or beliefs as you.

While the phrase is a common idiom, did you know it comes from the Bible? Let’s take a look at what “a man after my own heart” means by examining a biblical example: King David.

What’s Here:

• “A Man After My Own Heart” Meaning & Bible Verse
• What Does It Mean for Us to Be After God’s Heart?

“A Man After My Own Heart” Meaning & Bible Verse

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel says to Saul, “But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command” (1 Samuel 13:14, NIV).

The phrase “a man after my own heart” is also referenced in the New Testament, in Acts 13:22, which we’ll dive into next.

Why Was David a Man After God’s Own Heart?

Saul was a leader who didn’t honor God and whose first desire was not to obey him. In fact, Saul often chose to do things his own way. David, on the other hand, had a close relationship with God, following his Word. As a man after God’s own heart, David was chosen to replace Saul as king of Israel.

God wanted a king for Israel who would honor him and make decisions from a foundation of loving him. That’s exactly what he found in David.

After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.” —Acts 13:22, NIV

David had incredible faith in God. So much faith that, as a boy, David fought the giant Goliath and killed him with just a stone. David lived every day knowing that God would protect him. His life reflected his dedication and love for his heavenly Father. He was always after God’s heart.

Being After God’s Heart Doesn’t Mean Perfection

Being after God’s heart means that David loved what God loved and hated what God hated. Yet, despite his godly leadership and desire to honor God, David was a far cry from perfect. As the word of God reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NIV).

The only sinless person to live was Jesus, God incarnate. This means that perfection is not attainable for us. Instead, the goal is to have our hearts set on honoring God, even when we make mistakes.

We see mistakes in David’s life too. For example, in 2 Samuel 11, David acts in lust for Bathsheba. David slept with her even though he knew she was another man’s wife. Then, trying to cover up his actions, he had Bathsheba’s husband killed.

What a dark place for David to be in! However, David’s next move showed his heart was still for God. The Bible tells us that the prophet Nathan confronted David (2 Samuel 12). David responded in repentance. He brought his shame and remorse to God in Psalm 51, which begins:

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

God heard David’s prayer and forgave him. David’s heart was broken over his sin and the distance it created between him and God.

That’s why it can still be said that his heart reflected God’s heart. He didn’t rejoice in his sin or continue down the same path. He repented, turned around and returned to honoring God.

What Does It Mean for Us to Be After God’s Heart?

David’s story is both a warning and a word of encouragement for us. It’s a warning that we could slip up and give in to temptation. But it also reminds us that although none of us are perfect, we can still align our hearts with God’s heart. He can still align our will with his.

In our day-to-day lives, there will be many opportunities for us to align our will with God’s. For example, we could pray for those who hurt us instead of saying hateful things to them. We could say no to temptations as they creep in. We can even choose to serve the people in need around us, such as those living in poverty.

How Compassion International Is After God’s Heart

God’s heart cares deeply for the vulnerable among us. That means our hearts should follow suit. Psalm 82:3 (NIV) says:

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

It’s God’s will for our lives to serve those in need around us. At Compassion International, we serve vulnerable children around the world, releasing them from poverty in Jesus’ name. Through child sponsorship, we provide the care these children need to thrive, from nutrition support to medical care.

By caring for children in need, we’re aiming to reflect God’s heart, aligning our actions with his desires. We invite you to do the same!