“What goes into someone’s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.” What Jesus means here is that our words inevitably reveal the state of our hearts. As he said, in another dispute with the Jewish religious leaders: “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:34). If you want to know what is in your heart, then listen to yourself speak. Have you ever felt shocked by things you have said? Have you ever wondered why you said what you said? The heart will inevitably express itself verbally. All the sins of your heart; all the selfish ambition, pride, envy and bitterness that you allow to grow in your heart will inevitably come out in words. Have you found yourself using conversations to make people like you? Have you found yourself subtly undermining the reputation of someone who you don’t like? Listen to yourself speak and, if you find things coming from your mouth that you are ashamed of, then ask where it is coming from. Ask God to show you where your heart has become disoriented. These revelations can lead to positive change if you bring them to God and open your heart to allow him to reveal the roots of your attitudes. Transformation is a wonderful experience and possible for all who are willing to see what it is within them that needs to be transformed.
Reflect on the things you have caught yourself saying lately and bring this to God.
Read Mark 7:1-23
