Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Listen to the Word

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29)

“What you say is what you are.” That expression from childhood rings true. Jesus put it this way: “Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In other words, the quality of your speech reveals the health of your heart. Ugly words flow from an ugly heart. Kind words flow from a kind heart. 

This means that if you struggle with words, your challenge is bigger than you thought. You don’t just have a language problem - that unwholesome talk is a sure-fire indicator that you have a heart problem. You need more than an improved vocabulary - you need a new heart.

Live the Word

Ask God to transform your heart. Ask him to shape it according to his compassion and purity, and ask him to cause your heart to produce words that honor Him.