If you haven’t worn your heart on your sleeve, you are at least familiar with the phrase. The exact origin of this is unknown, but the first recorded use of it was in Shakespeare’s Othello, and it was spoken by Iago. It might have come from the tradition of a jousting knight wearing a ribbon or a scarf on the protective armour covering his sleeve in a declaration of love to his chosen lady. We use it today as a way to describe someone openly showing affection, emotion or vulnerability.  

Shakespeare may have been the first to put words to this tradition, but I propose that Jesus was the first to truly show his affection, emotions and vulnerability when he went to the cross. The night before he died, he gave his disciples a commandment to “love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you. No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends” (John 15:12-13, AMP). Even though he prayed that he wouldn’t have to drink the ‘cup’ he nevertheless went willingly to the cross to lay down his life for all of humanity. 

 Jesus didn’t just wear a scarf or ribbon on his sleeve while fighting and ultimately defeating sin, death and the powers of darkness. He took all of our sins, rebellion and hatred upon himself. He became sin for us. Jesus’ heart was on display for the whole world to see and when he died, he declared to everyone ever born, as well as the whole realm of evil, that we are the ones he loves. We are the ones he wants to be with forever. His heart was and continues to be on his sleeve, as a declaration of his undying love for his bride, the church.

First published on 24 June 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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