"Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and it fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure bing forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:33-37
Jesus is talking to Pharisees, for he knew their thoughts (vs.25). Yet, as a Christian, there is wisdom for me in all of this also.
We know that out of the abundance of our hearts comes what is IN our hearts. Jesus reminds us here that the words we speak demonstrate what is in our hearts for all to see. God knows and sees already. When we open our mouths it is then apparent for all to see, (as well as ourselves--for we do deceive ourselves at times) what is in our hearts. God's kindness to us.
This is a battle I fight daily. God is constantly bringing me back to this point. I find myself running to the cross often due to my mouth. Yet, not really my mouth, but my heart. My mouth demonstrates what is in my heart. Over and over again.
I want to bless. Yet, I don't. I want to encourage. Yet, I don't. I want to build up with words. Yet, in a weak moment, I go negative. I want to help. Yet, I fail to give truth. It is a battle. How blessed I am to have a 'tender God' who knows and is FOR me, in this battle. He sent HIS SON for me, because HE loves me.
The battle is won by the stripes of Jesus. The battle is HIS. I rest in knowing I am HIS and he loves me, forgive me for past, present and future sins. This is truth. You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.
I am free.
To bless, to help, to encourage, to build up ~ but then it isn't really me, it is HIM!
Thinking about fruit, Lynette
I struggle similarly. That which I WANT to do, I do not do, and that which I do NOT want to do, I do!
ReplyDeleteTo Him be the glory when we succeed in our endeavors, and thanks to Him for forgiveness when we fail!