Do you ever find yourself speaking before you think? I’m quite guilty of this habit, and it’s gotten me into trouble many times.
“I tell you that on that day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:36
Our words matter.
Just before this verse we read: “For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart” (Matthew 12:34b).
Our words are meant to be a reflection of our hearts. How often are we careful to make sure that our words reflect who we are in Christ Jesus? Jesus offers us much wisdom in this message as he lets us in on the secret to speaking what is good. He tells us that a good person produces good from his storeroom of good while an evil person produces evil from his storeroom of evil (verse 35).
What’s in your storeroom?
If I’m honest, my storeroom can easily be filled with Netflix binges and social media. I’ve noticed that when I’m engrossed in these things I’m usually moody and not as pleasant for my family. I become distracted from my priorities and ineffective for kingdom work. The truth is, though, that God lives in me! Am I allowing my life to show Him to others?
When I fill my mind with scripture, prayer, and uplifting Christian music and books, I feel so much better. When God’s goodness saturates my heart, it spills over into my life. In difficult situations, I have better reactions. I am much more secure in who I am as a child of the Living God. I’m able to see the the people around me and more ready to serve.
If we fill our hearts with God’s goodness, it will spill over into our words and deeds. It’s important to remember that our actions do not hold. saving power. Only the grace of God saves us. How shall we respond to God’s grace? Through our words and deeds, we will show the light of Christ to others.
Our words matter.
I want to pay better attention to the things I say, making sure that my words are not careless but full of grace and love. I want to make sure they reflect who dwells in me! This means that I need to make sure I’m staying in touch with God. This passage in Matthew has encouraged me to spend time more wisely, to take in less of the bad and more of God’s goodness.
So I ask you again, “What’s in your storeroom?” Is it full of the junk of this world, or the richness God has to offer? Do your words reflect the one who dwells in you?
Prayer over our Hearts
Father God,
You are the maker of our earth and the giver of all that is good. Oh, that we might know you! May we fill our minds and our hearts with your goodness. May we embrace your spirit in us and be fruitful. Help us to shine the light of Christ near and far so that your kingdom might grow for your glory.
In the name of Jesus, Amen
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As a therapist my words have to be so calculated when I’m with my clients but I have to admit that I’m not always as good with teaching light, hope, and encouragement when I’m home. I need to focus on replenishing my storehouse for my own family, too.
So important. As a writer, and a mother, I try to be very careful about my words. It’s even more essential I choose them carefully for my special needs daughter’s sake. She struggles with language, so I want to make sure every word she gets is one that helps, not hurts.
This is so true. I just finished reading James. Our mouths bring life or bring hurt to all the lives around us, including our own.
I’ve been encouraged by God to be a better listener lately, and reading this, I was struck by the thought that when I’m more intentional about the words I speak, it also gives me more opportunity to listen