Matthew 15:10-11 NLT
Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. “Listen,” he said, “and try to understand. It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.”
“But the words you speak come from the heart — that’s what defiles you.” Jesus would go on to say.
It is always, always, always a heart ❤️ issue. Did I forget to say… always.
This is not limited to the words that come out of our mouths but it also includes the words that enter our minds, which we must pay very close attention to. It is the initial “rebellious” thoughts that enter our minds that we need to “hold captive” to Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NLT
We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.
It’s the thoughts that enter your mind when that person, you know the person, that approaches you at church and you think to yourself, “Not this guy/girl again. When are they going to get it?”
Well, they are going to get it when God decides they get it. No sooner, no later. And that is perfection, not as we would have it but as Jesus would have it.
When God decides to reveal it to them, they will never be the same again, same as us.
Those thoughts we speak to ourselves must be brought before the throne of of God and examined in the light of Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, I pray you guide me and help me to love people the way You love people, with love, patience, encouragement and compassion.
Thank You for Your saving grace and I thank You for caring for me and the lessons that You provide to help me grow in grace.
Give me a humble, submissive spirit that will glorify You in every way before those around me.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
