The Abundant Heart

"Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." - Luke 6:45

And sometimes the heart uses words.

We all have people in our lives that speak and act hatefully. They speak lies and half-truths, deceiving those who they are supposed to love and help. And most of them are in Washington D.C.

But we DO have people in our lives that hurt us with their words. Why is that? Our opening verse for today tells us why. The "abundance of the heart" is speaking. The people who speak hate have hearts that are filled with it.

Hateful people also use other means to convey what's inside. Some choose their silence. Silence also speaks volumes. Some use weapons, some use their fists. Some use sexual assault. Whatever the weapon of choice is, they wield it without thought of others. Only themselves. Their heart speaks, inflicting wounds on the undeserving.

Do you remember that old saying that goes, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never harm me." Yeah, well, that's a lie.

When Jesus spoke His "abundance of the heart" message it was to His disciples and those who had come to hear Him speak or to be healed. He told them not to judge others, but then went on to tell them HOW to judge others - with righteous judgement.

If someone sends us a nasty text, what are we to do? Reply in kind? No. Our first step, after we absorb the hurt, should be to pray. WE can't change them. But God can.

Next, we must exhibit some grace. Clearly, "the abundance of their heart" is not love. Give them some time to calm themselves, then speak or text. Tell them how YOU feel. What is the most abundant thing in OUR hearts? As Christians, it should be the fruit of the Spirit.

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

Do WE exhibit those characteristics as a believer in Jesus Christ? We might have a cross around our necks and go to church but is our heart truly filled with God's love, with His Holy Spirit? If it is, then we cannot help but speak and act in love, in patience, in kindness.