Faithful on Fridays Blog

Clear Thinking

Jesus and the apostles Peter and John all encourage us to pay attention to our thoughts because they lead to words … your mouth gives you away:

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:34-37 

That should give you reason to pause for a moment and reflect on the words you speak. Now, I know that we can filter our words and look pretty good when things are going smoothly, however, what are your words like when you get angry, frustrated, or disappointed? That’s what comes into your heart first. 

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:1, 4, 28 

Jesus encourages us to do several things to keep our thinking clear and our heart pure: repent quickly and forgive quickly. God knows that we miss the mark in holiness every day, sometimes every hour, but He’s also waiting to forgive us when we look at ourself honestly, desire to change, and repent of our weaknesses. That’s music to His ears and it brings lasting change. In the same way, when someone offends you, it’s vital for you to forgive them. Forgiveness brings peace to your heart and gives the devil no place to plant seeds that’ll grow into bitter roots. Your success in these two actions, repentance and forgiveness, will show you what’s in your heart and help you to walk blameless before Him … but it takes desire first and then self-control.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28 

Let’s continue to prepare ourselves and our families for the Return of Christ, regardless of when it happens, so that we have the assurance that we’ll stand strong before Him. Our marriages need this, our children and grandchildren need this, and our churches need this. Repent and forgive quickly: make this your goal in life.

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23