Out of the Abundance of the Heart

The words that come out at home are usually the most honest ones we say. At work we are careful. At the dinner table, tired and unguarded, what is really inside comes out: the sharp comment, the complaint, the cutting joke.

Jesus said our words are a printout of our hearts: “for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Gossip often grows out of insecurity. Criticism out of pride. Complaining out of a sense that we deserve better. The tongue just shows what is already there.

Paul gives the family a standard for every conversation: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Words at home can build up, or wear down, the people we love most.

Listen to yourself today. When a sharp word comes out, don’t just apologize for the word. Ask God what it showed you about your heart.