When I read the the latest headlines on the news websites I often browse to the bottom to read people's comments on the stories. More than ever the comments are becoming more offensive and uncaring. Showing malice toward not only the story itself, but lashing out at the others who dare to leave a comment. The same can be seen on our roads in the form of so called 'roadrage'. There seems to be an ever increasing hostility in this world in which we live. When I was talking to God about it this week he reminded me it was no surprise that what is coming from people's mouths is often abrasive. He started off by leading me to this scripture.
But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.(Matthew 15:18)
This is very confronting isn't it? In this passage Jesus plainly tells the religious leaders of the day, as well us us, that it doesn't matter what we eat. It doesn't matter if we follow all of the rules for cleanliness etc. If our hearts are full of darkness that is what will come pouring out of our mouths. What does that tell me about the words coming from people's lips? It tells me the condition of their heart. If I speak negatively then negativity is what is hidden in my heart. If anger and abuse comes from my mouth, then anger and bitterness is what I have welled up in my heart. If lewd comments and dirty jokes is what comes out of my mouth then that is what will be found in my heart.
If we claim to be children of God, born again by his Holy Spirit. This is God's promise to us:
..and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.(2 Corinthians 1:22)
If we truly have God's Holy Spirit in our hearts, his Holy Spirit will convict us very quickly of sin in our hearts. He will let us know when we hold unforgiveness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, negativity, unbelief etc. Because where there is light, darkness cannot not exist. God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5)
And also
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12)
You cannot claim to know Jesus as your Saviour and live in the darkness. You cannot profess to know Jesus as Lord of your life, and let words of condemnation and criticism spill from your lips.
Jesus says that we will know his followers by their fruit. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Matthew 7:16). If God's Spirit lives in your heart and you spend time with him daily you will bear good fruit. You can read more about them in Galations 5:22.
Check your heart. Check out your fruit. Does it have a good aroma or is it fit for the compost bin? This world is searching for answers, searching for God. We need to make sure that we are showing the fruit of the Spirit so others will want to eat. If we don't act what we profess, then all we are blowing is a lot of hot air. God is in the process of checking hearts. Make sure your heart is right with with him. He is looking to make your life a fruitful vine, reaching into a world that needs light and life.
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