Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Overflow of the Heart

Our words have the amazing ability to save people or completely tear them down. Whether we are aware of it or not, the words we speak can inadvertently affect people in the most profound ways. In Matthew 12:33-37 it describes, not only the strength of our words, but also the source of its power, and the consequences of what happens when we ignorantly misuse its gift. Ultimately words are about the overflow of the heart.
  1. Words reflect the heart - Words will reflect who you are. It will declare to the world what kind of Christian you are. It is one of the many tools we possess to identity to others what's in our hearts an it is one of the most used, abused and often confused tool we utilize in our daily spiritual walk.
  2. Words reveal the heart - Words are a metaphoric mirror which reveals the nature of your character. The words you speak reflects to others what kind of person you truly are. We often try to brush aside things we say accidentally by labeling it as nothing more than "unconscious words." However, these unconscious slip of the tongues have a tendency to be closer to the truth then the intentional words we often proclaim to others. In v34 it states "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." In other words, we can not speak something that's not already in us. If your heart is filled with bitter and discontentment, how will ever find it in you to bring true words of encouragement and kindness? Furthermore, forcing ourselves to habitually be silent doesn't solve the problem. In v33, it tells us the only solution is by amending the heart. "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit."
  3. Words redeem the heart - Your words are a testimony to what kind of Christian you are. We live in an age where we feel it's okay to say whatever we want without fear of recourse. However in v36 it tells us "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." Not only will our words be held accountable but "every careless word!" For words already spoken can not be taken back. Once the harsh words are let loose, the damage is already done.

Therefore, if words are the essence that overflow from the container of our hearts, then it becomes essential that we fill this vessel with the knowledge of the Word. For only the living Word can teach us how to bring out words that edify others even in moments of anger. "For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

--from Nakwon EM November 25th 2007 Sunday Worship Service
*To listen to this sermon in its entirety, please contact James Kim

"Stick and stone can break my bones but words will never hurt me"
You've obviously never been hit by a dictionary!

2 comments:

little jane said...

haha... i got hit by an encyclopedia once though. That hurt. :P

But , this messages totally hits the mark. Words have so much power. I mean, even if you don't look at it in a Christian sense, the world teaches how important words are too.

"out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" mmmm hmmm. you can't deny it.

Anonymous said...

Ray, thanks so much for doing such a thorough job in summarizing the message!

=)