Your words come from the heart

Photo by: Chelle

Read 15: 8-18

But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart and they defile a man. Matthew 15:18

Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

The words you say

Do you understand the words that come from your mouth?  Do you ever listen to the words you speak to family, friends, and co-workers? Parents, do you think before you speak to your children?

• “You are lazy”

• “You are a failure”

• “You are no good”

• “You are just like your father”

Your words come from the heart

In today’s text Jesus reminds us that defilement comes from within. Your words come from the heart. It is not what we put in our mouth that defiles us it is what comes out! Sticks and stones may break your bones but words cut deep like a knife into the spirit.

This communication is twofold – what you speak to others as well as to self. Do you comprehend the word you speak about yourself? 

• “I am too fat”

• “I am too skinny”

• “My nose makes me look ugly”

• “I don’t like the way that I look”

This language is spoken daily, intentionally and unintentionally.

And these words are powerful and they do have recourse – negative or positive, the bible tells us so. 

Matthew 15:18-19 - …those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart defiles a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts…

Denied Destiny

Many years ago I worked with young man who had a thirst for knowledge. Based on conversation, a person could tell this young man was very intelligent  and he should have pursued his educational dreams. In my opinion, through our conversations, his destiny was cut short based on his childhood experiences.

Though his parent’s intentions were well it was the corrupt words spoken which caused this man to drop out of school.  “No matter what I did they never saw the best in me.”  It was defiled and harmful words which prompted the boy to give up – “Dummy, lazy, crazy, and stupid.” Followed by “might as well drop out of school you are not going to amount to nothing.” After years of verbal abuse the boy gave up.

Toxic words poison the mind

Family, words can be toxic.They can poison the mind; tear down self-esteem and confidence in a person.  I encourage you to start thinking before speaking especially in anger, a fit of rage, or when disciplining a loved one. Think before you speak and use words that are persuasive.

T

• Empower

• Encourage

• Uplift

• Love

Think before you speak

When we verbalize negative words it tears down what God wants to build up! It destroys the Gifts that God has given, never allowing them to manifest. It negates God’s purpose.

Meditate today and think of times you have spoke negative towards a loved one, friend, or coworker. Seek forgiveness and become more aware of the words you speak. It is not what you put in your mouth that defiles a person it is what comes out – do you understand the words that are coming from my mouth…?

Prayer

Father God in Heaven,

Words I speak are manifested. They can encourage and uplift or defile and destroy.  Lord, help me to become more aware of the words I speak. May they be words of encouragement not negative words.  Expressions that will uplift not break down.  Rekindle the fire in my heart to see the goodness in everything and everyone. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart always be expectable in thy sight.  Amen.