Matthew 12:33-37

Matthew 12:33-37 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  Ever watch someone erupt over an issue that you feel isn't worth shouting over?  It's interesting to observe -- I'm usually left wondering exactly what else is going on in that person's life, because whatever they're exploding over is usually not worth such anger. 
  Jesus is teaching us here that our words often reveal what is in the depths of our hearts.  The way we speak is a natural outflow of how we feel about the world.  Those around you who are consistently speaking words of kindness and love have that within them.  Those who are biting and short probably don't have much patience in the depths of their hearts.  There are circumstances that often dictate how we act in the short-term, but over the long-term, our words paint a picture of what kind of person we are. 
  What do your words and your tone say about you?  Do they celebrate you as a person grateful to God for the blessings that you have been given?  Do they tell of joy and hope and peace?  Do they speak of how love has overcome tragedy in your life?  Maybe they testify to the presence of God in the midst of struggles. 
  May we pray for wisdom in how we speak, and may we pray for God to lead our hearts to places that allow our words to reflect hearts that are captive to our Creator.