by[17] “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? [18] But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. [19] For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” – Matthew 15:17-19 (NIV)
Some Pharisees once came to Jesus to question why His disciples didn’t wash their hands before eating. According to them, it was a tradition to wash hands before eating because anybody who didn’t do that was considered unclean. Hmm. Today, hand washing before eating is for the purposes of hygiene, not for the traditional reasons the Pharisees used to uphold. But Jesus replied to them. He said a lot. However, I would like to consider the last parts of Jesus’ long speech, which has been captured in today’s anchor scripture in Matthew 15:17-19.
According to Jesus, what comes out of a person’s mouth is what can be used to judge a person as clean or unclean, not really the things he does on the outside. Then He added, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts …” (see Matthew 15:17-19). I have personally found this statement to be truth after a thoughtful observation of my life as well as others. What people say usually speaks a lot about their character, thinking patterns and heart conditions in general.
So, yes, thoughts and words are powerful. And since they can be heartfelt, keep your heart with all diligence, dear one. Do not allow unnecessary issues to bother you, lest you talk rushingly out of anger and resentment to hurt many more lives. Endeavour to walk in integrity with the Lord.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for grace and mercy. Help me always have a clean heart so that my life can be free from all forms of filth, especially in my words. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 166
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