“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34

Our pastor delivered a powerful message this morning based on this scripture, which really made me stop and think…and reflect. And whether you are a believer or not, these questions are definitely something to think about.

What words are coming out of your mouth? Are you speaking love or condemnation?

Are you speaking reconciliation or judgement?

Are you trying to exert control over those you speak to, or are you showing the love for others that you say you have?

Do you avoid being around people you believe are living their lives wrong, talk about them behind their backs, or do you reach out to them and treat them the way you want to be treated?

Do you talk AT people without listening to what they have to say, are you too busy to take that extra time to hear THEIR heart, or do you stop and really get to know them, and have a genuine conversation with them?

Do you tell everyone how important it is to forgive, but continue to hold on to resentment and grudges in your own life?

Are you constantly pointing fingers at everyone and telling them how wrong they are, and not stopping to see that maybe you have faults as well?

Are you too busy telling others what they should be doing, and how bad they are if they don’t, or do you take the time to talk to them and try to understand where they’re coming from, so you can have a two way conversation instead of a one way lecture?

Do you find yourself making up stories, telling “little white lies”, because it’s easier than telling the truth?

Do you talk the talk, but forget to walk the walk?

Where is your heart? What’s in it?

What’s really in it? Love, compassion, forgiveness? Or greed, anger, jealousy, and resentment?

Are you really the person you say you are? If someone could look inside your heart, what would they see?

We all need to examine our hearts, our motivations. And when we do, I guarantee each of us, and certainly myself, will discover we need to make some changes.

The question is, will we? Or better yet, do we want to?

What’s your answer?