Often people say things and then wonder why they said them.
Words that are negative to others may cause some to apologize, while others try to justify or clarify what they meant. Words can be a powerful force for good or evil. People who are offended by what is said can find themselves struggling to bring balance and restore calm.
This especially is true when the words are insensitive and mean-spirited. Some may be of the opinion that it’s better not to say what you feel, and yet others use tact or diplomacy. Whatever your position is, when it comes to communicating your thoughts to others, it matters what you say.
Luke 6:45 says, “a good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth that which is good; and an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart, brings forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
The heart of man is revealed by what he says. The abundance of the heart lends itself to the understanding that the heart is not only full, but overflowing, and therefore will cause your mouth to speak. No matter how we try sometimes to hide our true thoughts, we slip and say what’s in our hearts.
Matthew 12:35-37 says, “But every idle word that men shall speak will require of them to give an account of those idle words in the Day of Judgment. For by your words shall you be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”
This is a warning to those who believe in the teachings of the Bible to consider what you are saying, because your words matter. The needless pain, the thoughtless words, the evil acts of violence that are visited on others by our words will be dealt with by God at a later time.
Our words matter because our character and integrity are represented in what we say. We need not try to hide what is in our hearts when we have a good heart, for out of a good heart will men come to know God.
Hear the heart of a man by the words that proceed out of his mouth. When others listen to you, remember: It matters what you are saying.
Ayala is pastor of Christ Tabernacle of Faith Church and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.