I have been spending a lot of time reading scripture lately. Particularly, Psalms and Proverbs. There is unending wisdom to be gleaned from these books. While reading the other day, I came across this…
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things, as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. Proverbs 12:14
And as I continued, I ran across this…
From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. Proverbs 13:2
It is obvious that God wants us to understand that our speech matters. What we say bears fruit whether we believe it or not. Then there is also this very familiar verse…
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45
Based on all three of these verses I think we can see that we bear fruit from what we speak and what we speak is directly connected to our hearts condition.
So, my question to you today is this, what is the condition of your heart?
We must regularly evaluate the condition of our own heart. Sometimes, it is far too easy to become consumed with the state of everyone else and what their hearts are screaming. The danger of focusing on other’s hearts is that we can all too quickly forget to hold our own selves accountable.
Yes, I want to lead others to Jesus, but I also acknowledge that the only One Who knows hearts, is Jesus. My heart can be deceived. I must keep it closely tethered to God. While I’m standing firm upon what God has called me to be firm, I must also remember that God alone knows other’s hearts. I believe this is why we are called to not judge, because we don’t know where another’s heart is in its process. Only God knows that.
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37-38
Prayer Moment: God, teach me how to walk without judgment but also standing firm upon Your truth. Teach me what walking out non-judgment actually looks like, not as the world says, but as You say. Also God, retrain my tongue to speak only good things into my life. Convict my heart anytime I speak a frivolous word. Help me to walk out the taming of my tongue. Make me ever sensitive to Your Spirit so that I can be wise. Remove all negative thought patterns and heart conditions that lead me to speak negative things. I long to have Jesus be the overflow of my heart. In Jesus name, Amen.
365 Days in the Presence 