Mark B. Thogmartin - October 1, 2017
Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks
In a confrontation with some self-righteous Pharisees, Jesus noted that the words we speak are an indicator of the condition of our hearts (Matthew 12:34). A corrupt heart produces corrupt words. Peter encouraged believers to be prepared at all times to "make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). His assumption was that believers were exhibiting hope, presumably in the things they were saying. This begs the question "Does hope truly reside in our hearts, and is this hope portrayed in the things we say?" It's certainly worth pondering whether our negative speech camouflages our hope. Even if it has and still does (because we are a work in progress) there is forgiveness through the finished work of Christ.