Language and communication is a gift intended for a higher purpose. That higher purpose is taking a beating these days courtesy of the ease with which you can use words to slam others and many are cheered on when they do! It’s a sad thing that effects us all.

We must guard our hearts and in that way we tame the tongue. Whatever is in your heart will come out of your mouth. And what comes from our heart is meant to be good for the good of others as well as ourselves.  What is coming out of your mouth?  What are you inserting into the ears and eyes of others courtesy of your words; spoken and typed?

In Matthew 12:33-37 Jesus says, “Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good things, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person brings good things out of a good treasure, and the evil person brings evil things out of an evil treasure. I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter; for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Those who store up a vast collection of bad words and cutting phrases will unleash them at will.  Those who store up a wealth of kind, affirming words and inspiring phrases will put them to work when needed.  But why do some folks speak awful words that cut into the hearts of others?  Why do some Christians use words to take out another?  The Bible tells us that pride will come before the fall, and the reason for this is because pride will blind you and prevent you from being able to see the truth of what is wrong with you.  Pride gives us permission to speak badly and make sinful choices because they aren’t seen for what they truly are.  Pride also gives permission to just do it and not think it through first asking yourself if what you are about to say or do:

1) is the truth

2) is helpful

3) is necessary

and 4) is potentially harmful to yourself or others.

Fact:  You rarely regret the smart remark or pithy response you didn’t say.

Reason requires time to weigh and measure your options before you act.  Sometimes that means taking 3 deep breaths while deciding whether you will accept the invitation given to you to behave badly or whether you will accept Jesus’ new commandment invitation to show others you are a disciple.  John 13:34-35 [Jesus said] “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Our actions show what is in our heart and not in our heart.  May God give us the desire to live higher, breathe deeply, and love one another.

Amen and Amen.

See you at church!

~ Pastor Theresa