From The Overflow Of The Heart

"But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them."- Matthew 15:18
 
When I was a little kid, part of my nighttime routine was to brush my teeth in the bathroom. Placing the tube in my chunky hands, I'd gingerly apply the toothpaste to the brush, only to have it splatter everywhere. I'd grab the toilet paper, desperately wiping away the excess and trying to wipe the bristles in an attempt to put it back into the tube. But no matter how hard I tried, I could never put the toothpaste back into the tube. It was out, and there was nothing I could do about it.
 
It's the same with my words. Sometimes what comes out is encouraging and loving and comes from a place of love and compassion. Other times what comes out is vile and destructive and comes from a place of hidden anger and hurt.
 
My words are a by- product of the condition of my heart. When my heart is close to God and I have confessed my sin to Him, my words are encouraging and give life to others. When my heart is corroded, my words bring death and corruption.
 
The key to deepening our spiritual growth is to check the condition of your heart often. Don't let unconfessed sin corrode your heart. For out of your heart, your words result.
 
Do you have sin you need to confess to God? Is your heart right before Him?   

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