“40 Days of WORDS”
Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of Words
Day 36 | WHAT’S THE VERDICT? | Matthew 12:37
40 Days of Words
Day 36 | WHAT’S THE VERDICT? | Matthew 12:37
WHAT’S THE VERDICT?
Matthew 12:37
“Your very words will be used as evidence, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.” (Jesus)
Have you ever had an opinion of a person – which was good – only to find another friend of yours had a view of that same person which was NOT very good?
Why the difference?
Many things factor into our opinions of other people, but the biggest factor I think is the WORDS they speak.
A person can be one way with one person and another way with another. And “the way” comes down to attitude, disposition, and WORDS. A person can be “kind and sweet” with one person and “harsh, blunt and obtuse” with another. Same person. Same mouth, different words.
On the witness stand we are required to swear an affirmation to “state the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Our words matter.
Lies, harsh, ugly, and hurtful words come from our deep, evil, uncontrolled hearts… “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
So, one who speaks bad words reveals the TRUTH of what is inside them: evil, sinful thoughts.
Jesus always spoke words of HOPE to hurting people and saved his critical words for the religious people of His day when revealing their character flaws and sinful, self-righteous hearts.
So, just as there is benefit in “thinking about what you’re thinking about” from time to time, there is great value in trying to “listen” to yourself and the words you say too.
Now I know that seems strange because we don’t generally listen to ourselves – we just talk.
“The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:37 NLT)
Prayer: LORD, I want you to be happy with me and how I use my words as I live my life. Help me THINK about what I say and strive to say words that are pleasing in your sight, words that show your grace, and helpful words to the listener. Amen.
Matthew 12:37
“Your very words will be used as evidence, and your words will declare you either innocent or guilty.” (Jesus)
Have you ever had an opinion of a person – which was good – only to find another friend of yours had a view of that same person which was NOT very good?
Why the difference?
Many things factor into our opinions of other people, but the biggest factor I think is the WORDS they speak.
A person can be one way with one person and another way with another. And “the way” comes down to attitude, disposition, and WORDS. A person can be “kind and sweet” with one person and “harsh, blunt and obtuse” with another. Same person. Same mouth, different words.
On the witness stand we are required to swear an affirmation to “state the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Our words matter.
Lies, harsh, ugly, and hurtful words come from our deep, evil, uncontrolled hearts… “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.”
So, one who speaks bad words reveals the TRUTH of what is inside them: evil, sinful thoughts.
Jesus always spoke words of HOPE to hurting people and saved his critical words for the religious people of His day when revealing their character flaws and sinful, self-righteous hearts.
So, just as there is benefit in “thinking about what you’re thinking about” from time to time, there is great value in trying to “listen” to yourself and the words you say too.
Now I know that seems strange because we don’t generally listen to ourselves – we just talk.
“The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” (Matthew 12:37 NLT)
Prayer: LORD, I want you to be happy with me and how I use my words as I live my life. Help me THINK about what I say and strive to say words that are pleasing in your sight, words that show your grace, and helpful words to the listener. Amen.