Devotion 6/8, Our speech is a reflection of our hearts
Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3
This should be a prayer echoed everyday before we start out! What comes out of our mouths is a direct reflection of what is in our hearts. Which is why Jesus said;
Matthew 15:11, “What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.”
People seem so obsessed with eating healthy, which is not a bad thing, but wouldn’t it be nice if as much attention was paid to their speech? If they were careful to not use foul language, to speak kindly to others instead of being rude and impatient, and to encourage not criticize?
How important is our speech? Jesus said it revealed what was going on in our hearts. Proverbs repeatedly tells us that our words can wound and destroy or heal and bring life. The apostle Paul commands us to speak only what will benefit those who hear us. In light of these Scriptures, David’s prayer in today’s verse is very appropriate. Only God can help us tame our speech and use its power to bless. Let’s invite him into our world of speech by purifying our hearts and taking control of what we say so we can use our speech for the good of those around us!
Holy and righteous Father, I never want my language to betray you or wound others. Please help me as I seek to redeem my speech and use it to glorify you, bless your children, and speak of salvation with those who do not know your Son as their Savior and Lord. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Lord, I seek a purified heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. I seek to build up others and quiet my criticisms, to live a more Christlike life. Amen.
Leave a Reply