Guiding Our Hearts and Words

By Romina Chevren

"Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words, you will be acquitted, and by your words, you will be condemned."—Matthew 12:30–37 (NIV)

Reflecting on the teachings of Jesus in today’s passage, we uncover a profound and inseparable connection between the condition of our hearts and the words we speak. These verses offer us profound insights into the transformative power of our words and the significance of nurturing a heart aligned with the love and grace of Christ.

When I think about this passage, I often remember a phrase my grandmother used to tell me: Are your words building or destroying?

Our words are not mere vehicles for conveying our thoughts; they’re profound reflections of the state of our hearts. As we express ourselves, whether through spoken conversations or written communication, the true nature of our inner being becomes evident to those who listen or read. Just as a mirror reveals our physical appearance, our words reveal the spiritual condition of our hearts.

Consider a heart filled with love, compassion, and gratitude. Such a heart naturally produces words that uplift, encourage, and inspire. These words become a source of hope and healing, radiating the warmth of Christ's love to those who hear them. Conversely, a heart burdened by bitterness, anger, or negativity often gives birth to words that wound, dishearten, and harm. These words poison the atmosphere, casting shadows where there should be light.

This profound awareness challenges us to embark on a continuous journey of self-examination. We must consistently evaluate the contents of our hearts, asking ourselves whether we’re nurturing qualities that align with the love and grace of Christ or allowing negativity and impurity to take root within us. Guarding our hearts is not a one-time endeavor but a lifelong commitment to self-reflection, prayer, and constant growth in our relationship with God.

Furthermore, Jesus' solemn warning about being held accountable for our words on the day of judgment underscores the eternal significance of our speech. Each word we utter carries profound weight in the eyes of God. This realization compels us to approach our words with humility, seeking repentance and forgiveness when our speech falls short of God's impeccable standards.

In our personal journeys, we learn the art of restraint, particularly in moments of frustration or anger. We strive to align our words with the values and teachings of Christ, acknowledging that we are works in progress. When we stumble and our words do not reflect the love and grace we intend, we find solace in the promise of forgiveness and transformation through the boundless grace of Christ.

Guarding our hearts and words is indeed a lifelong commitment. Still, it’s a commitment that leads us to a more authentic and Christlike existence. It’s a clarion call to mindfulness concerning the profound impact our words have on others and the world around us.

Today’s passage beckons us to cherish and nurture the profound connection between our hearts and words. It reminds us that our words, shaped by the condition of our hearts, possess the unparalleled power to shape our lives and the lives of those with whom we share this earthly pilgrimage. May we embrace this truth, for in it lies the path to a more authentic and Christlike existence, glorifying God with every word we speak.

Pause: Find a quiet and peaceful place for a moment of reflection. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing the day's cares to fall away. Begin by examining your heart. Are there any negative emotions, bitterness, or unspoken judgments that need addressing? Reflect on the words you've spoken recently. Have they been words of love, encouragement, and truth, or have they caused harm or division?

Practice: Commit to aligning your heart with the teachings of Jesus. Cultivate qualities of love, compassion, and forgiveness within yourself. Practice the art of pausing before you speak. In moments of frustration or anger, take a deep breath and allow your words to be filtered through the lens of kindness and grace. Remember that your words hold great power, and you can use them for good.

Pray: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your guidance as we examine our hearts and words. Help us to recognize and release any negative emotions or judgments that may have taken root within us. Fill our hearts with love, compassion, and forgiveness so our words may reflect Your grace. May our words be a source of healing, encouragement, and truth to those we encounter. Empower us to align our lives with Your teachings and to be vessels of Your love in this world. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who exemplified the power of words that bear good fruit. Amen.