Out of the Heart

Have you ever tried teaching a child to say the right thing? Perhaps to say, Thank you. Or, I’m sorry. Parents must keep at it because children forget—usually because they do not have a truly thankful or sorry heart.

Or, perhaps we try to keep a child from expressing a selfish thought when they proclaim, Mine. Or, Give it to me. Again, words reveal the attitude.

Adults are somewhat better at controlling their words, but sometimes they slip. Again, the best way to say constructive words to people—or about people—is to think constructive thoughts. Because eventually, we will say what we think. The attitudes of the heart have a way of revealing themselves.

Jesus said, For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Lk. 6:45b NKJV) What we do and what we say reveals our inner life—our character.

Originally published June 9, 1989.

Divine Help - God's Grace

On the matter of proclaiming God’s Word, Paul wrote to the Colossians, Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Col;. 4:6 NKJV)

We don’t always know what to say when we talk to people about God—or even when we try live the life God wants us to live. Sometimes our ability to think vanishes. We need divine help—God’s grace—the very kind of grace the verse above talks about. But we can’t speak with grace unless God gives us grace.

Jesus always spoke with grace. He communicated with His Father and submitted to Him in all things. Everything He said originated from the Father.

Paul knew he was called to the same dependence. That’s why he asked the Colossians to pray for him as he reached out “to speak the mystery of Christ . . .” (v. 3b) He desired that I might make it manifest, as I ought to speak.”(v. 4)

We are in good company if we ask for grace.

Originally published June 25, 1993.

Speak as He Speaks

God is gracious. Christians are supposed to be gracious as well. But what does that mean?

Some define grace as God’s unmerited favor toward people. That means we deserve nothing, but God blesses us anyway by giving us good things.

I’d like to add to that definition. God not only blesses us when we don’t deserve it, He blesses us beautifully. Grace helps define God’s nature and the way He interacts with His people. God blesses in a pleasing manner—graciously, if you will.

If we truly respond to God’s grace—to His gracious nature—we will reflect His grace. We will obey His command to become gracious toward people as He is gracious toward people.

Our communication with others can reflect God’s grace. Paul wrote, Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Eph. 4:29 NKJV)

Originally published May 19, 1989.