Only God can look at somebody's heart.

The quote "Only God can look at somebody's heart" by Joel Osteen emphasizes the idea that human beings can only judge others based on external actions and appearances, but only God has the ability to truly understand and see the inner motives and intentions of a person. Osteen, a well-known pastor and author, is highlighting the divine ability to look beyond the surface and perceive the true nature of a person, which is something humans are not equipped to do. It reminds us that we should be cautious in our judgments of others, as only God sees the full picture.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Joel Osteen's teachings, which often focus on themes of grace, forgiveness, and the love of God. Throughout his ministry, Osteen has encouraged people to trust in God's judgment and to focus on their own spiritual growth rather than comparing themselves to others or passing judgment. The quote underscores that God's understanding of people is complete and infallible, while human judgment can be limited, flawed, and superficial.

In this context, Osteen is pointing out that, despite appearances, it is the heart—the center of a person’s emotions, thoughts, and intentions—that truly defines them. God alone is capable of knowing the heart in its entirety and understanding the depth of one’s character and spiritual state. This should remind individuals not to focus too much on outward actions, which can sometimes be misleading, but to seek a deeper relationship with God who knows the true heart of each person.

Ultimately, the quote encourages humility in how we view others, as it is only God who can make a true judgment of a person's character. It invites individuals to focus on their own spiritual journey and rely on God's grace rather than on human perceptions, knowing that God alone can see what lies within the heart. Osteen’s message is one of trust in divine understanding and a reminder that God is the ultimate judge of all.