43/365: Check Your Heart

"You shall not murder." ~ God Exodus 20:13

Clear, concise, and to the point. It shouldn't need to be explained. However, Jesus gave us clarification on the matter, he said,

"I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca, (idiot)’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell." - Jesus Christ

Your words reflect your heart. Harmless insults can be venom. Crude talk and jokes made at the expense of another person are flaming arrows.

GO DEEPER: 1 John 3: 11-18

NEXT STEP: Examine your heart by listening to the words you use about others or yourself.

Kevin Davison

on 02/13/2023 at 05:36 AM

I like making jokes like other friends. I do watch what I say about the jokes because they could end up hurting someone or else be used against someone. I always think of a joke before I say it unlike back when I was a kid. At that time, adults would get upset with me telling me that was not a joke. I have never been discriminated against anyone.

Rogue

on 02/13/2023 at 04:15 AM

The truth of this message is grown in pride. I have tried to change the way I say something about someone and in doing so I learn more about myself. I slipped the other day started cursing because I wasn’t intelligent enough speak words in an dialogue with purpose and growth. Emotions got the better of me. We live in a world where it’s easy to destroy someone online. What would happen if we stepped up as real men of God and edified the broken. Someone could be on their way to committing suicide. God help our hearts be pure because it takes real strength to practice this.

on 02/12/2023 at 08:37 PM

Amen, and Ephesians 4:29-31

Brandon Pembleton

on 02/12/2023 at 04:32 PM

I like to tell jokes. I love laughing and love it when I make my friends and loved ones laugh. On top of that the best material often comes from what's going on around us. I've had to work on not making fun or using someone as the punchline in my jokes. Maybe myself a bit as the punchline but in a way that isn't tearing myself down either. I was kind of worried I might lose that piece of my personality in actively not poking fun anymore. But I haven't. My friends and family still laugh and I'm not making fun of people all the time anymore. You never know how some joke may run afoul and hurt someone else. I must always stay true to do no harm. Guide me today God in my life so I can be of service to others. I love you God amen 🙏

Matt Patterson

on 02/12/2023 at 03:06 PM

This speaks volumes to the people I'm around at work. I can't say I'm not at fault sometimes. Thank you for doing these kickstarts.

Ladd Paulson

on 02/12/2023 at 02:23 PM

Michael I to understand, I let my constant pain turn to short temper with my wife far too often. We fight about something stupid then later realize how dumb it was. I apologize and try to get past it but know she just thinks that's how I am now. If not for the Holy Spirits influence in our lives we likely wouldn't be about at our 37th anniversary.

Jerome

on 02/12/2023 at 02:21 PM

Words I try to live by - James 1:19 "... everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry". Reflecting on this verse helps me to stay calm and not lash out at anyone.

Tony Wade

on 02/12/2023 at 02:08 PM

Mr Vinning ; remember GOD created all of the animals and various creatures on land,sea,and in the air. We have to try to tolerate them as much as they have to tolerate us. GOD gave and gives us what we need to take care of His creations.

Robert McFaddin

on 02/12/2023 at 02:06 PM

Michael, I understand. Life gets frustrating and we tend to take it out on someone or something. God has grace for that too. Sometimes I let my anger with my marriage come out in my art classroom. The kids can be pretty bratty and that just feeds it more. I need to remember God has grace for that as well.

Boyce Moses

on 02/12/2023 at 02:01 PM

Don’t let hate come out of your mouth. Share God’s love with all. Love you Jesus! 💚💙❤️🧡

michael f vinning

on 02/12/2023 at 01:43 PM

So I battle anger a lot. Most of it directed at animals though. Not a joke, let me explain. We moved into a fixer upper about 9 yrs ago, we had 2 cats, fast forward and now we have 15 outside and 2 inside. 1 Prego cat showed up and before you knew it BOOM. We finally have all of them fixed so no new ones! It’s so expensive to get that done so it took time and in that time, more and more kittens. Some of them won’t even let you pet them but yet I feed them bc it’s the humane thing to do. We also have 3 goats and too many chickens to count. All of it costs money and it was doable until inflation and now it’s tough and I find I take a lot of my frustrations out on the animals. I don’t physically abuse them or anything but I curse them lower than dogs and often times let them get me all worked up such that I need Jesus to rescue my mood. I know it sounds dumb but there it is!

Tommy Williamson

on 02/12/2023 at 01:18 PM

I’m sure we have all heard the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Well our words paint a picture of the condition of our walk with the Lord. Just as much as our actions do. What picture does the words I speak and the tone I use to speak them say about me and my walk with God?

43/365: Check Your Heart

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