“Loose lips sink ships.” It doesn’t take much to really mess something up. It doesn’t have to be more than one bitter word, a critical slam or a negative jab, but the damage can be big. As one who has always struggled popping off my mouth, I needed to again be reminded of Jesus words in Matthew 12.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 12:1-50

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 12:35-37

 

Those “empty” or carless words can do serious damage. They can hurt and diminish and cripple the spirit of our spouse or child or friend. I’ve always tried to apologize when I’ve spouted off, but that doesn’t mean the damage is completely removed from the situation or the relationship.

 

Jesus here makes a point about the “judgment” having quite a bit to do with what we say and even the way we say it. Why? Because it comes right out of our heart…that place where we “store up” all this stuff.

 

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

Yes, there is sin to confess in this passage, but there is also something more that needs to happen, something preventative, something healing. Jesus says this garbage comes from the inside. I need to have more control over the junk I allow in my mind and heart. I control, through the simple daily decisions I make, the kind of stuff that goes down into my heart.

 

Reading His Word daily is the very best thing I can do to put the RIGHT STUFF in my heart.

 

Dear Father, what an amazing thing your Word really is. I want to soak it up, Help me to read and comprehend, listen and let it impact my heart. Speak to my heart so that my actions and especially my words come from a place that has been cultivated by You. Let people see the change in the way I respond. When they do, I promise to give you the full credit. You are the only one that can make this change in me, deep in me. I invite you in. With your Word and your Spirit. Clean house!