When explaining why he baptized people like Cornelius who wasn't a Jew, Peter defended himself by referring to God as one "who knows the heart". He explained that it would not be right to put unnecessary obstacles in the way of a person who was clearly drawn to Christ.

Peter and Paul were at one in their acceptance of the dynamic presence of God in the hearts of those who believe in Christ. Paul speaks in Romans 5:5 of "God's love being poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."

A modern theologian encourages Christian dialogue even with atheists "who may love God in their hearts while not knowing him with their heads".

Recently I read a moving article about the two million workers feverishly preparing facilities for the Beijing Olympics. Many of them live and work in dreadful conditions. They are exploited and lonely. Nonetheless, they willingly, even cheerfully accept great difficulties out of love for their families in far off provinces.

God's love must surely be ready to spill into the hearts of those gallant people. They have accepted a value higher than their own self interest. God grant that some time in the future they will come to recognise and welcome the One who is already so close to their hearts.