10.26.23 - Matthew 15:18-20
Examine your words from today. When did they reveal an attitude or thought pattern that doesn’t reflect love? How do you want to tweak your beliefs tomorrow?
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
You can’t “bleep” a foul heart.
Garbage in, garbage out.
Jesus’ response to his disciples' request for deeper understanding evokes a backed up sewer line - it’s dank, it’s disgusting, it’s offensive.
It’s the same with a mouth that spews forth bitterness and evil intentions - a backed up and defiled heart.
Of course, washing hands is critically important to public health, so don’t stop doing the obvious. But Jesus of course was attempting to help the crowds, pharisees and disciples to understand that a person’s actions reveal the content of their intentions, beliefs and standards.
Actions speak louder than words and reveal exactly what is in the heart. When the standard is love, the heart remains undefiled.
Examine your words from today. When did they reveal an attitude or thought pattern that doesn’t reflect love? How do you want to tweak your beliefs tomorrow?
--Libby Tedder Hugus