Why is the condition of our hearts important when hearing the gospel?

In Hebrews 4:2, we are reminded that 'the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.' This indicates that merely hearing the gospel is insufficient; our hearts must be prepared to receive the truth with faith. The spiritual state of our hearts influences whether we truly hear and accept the message of Christ. The scripture also teaches that a heart inclined toward the truth will yield a greater understanding and response, contextualized by the phrase 'take heed how ye hear' (Luke 8:18). Therefore, cultivating a receptive and attentive heart is vital for spiritual growth and insight.