Dead giveaway

By your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. – Matthew 12:37

Lucy had never gone fishing, but she wanted to spend time with Willie so she told him she loved to fish. He was delighted to find a girl who could share his love for fishing.

One day they went out to Willie’s favorite fishing spot. The fish weren’t biting, but Lucy didn’t care. The sun was shining and the water lapped gently at the sides of the boat. Just being with Willie was all that mattered.

After a while, Lucy said, "Willie, you know that red and white thing you put on my line?" You mean the bobber?" he replied. "Yeah," said Lucy. "How much did it cost?" "About 50 cents". "Then I owe you 50 cents. Mine just sank," said Lucy. She didn’t know she had a fish on the line. It was now obvious that Lucy had lied. Her words betrayed her.

Sooner or later our words will unmask the true condition of our hearts. If our hearts are filled with love for God, our words will be marked by honesty, gratefulness, love, encouragement, wise counsel, and concern for others. But if our hearts are filled with selfishness, our words will be filled with decent, criticism, complaining, broken confidences, and insults. By our words we will be judged (Matthew 12:37).

Father, may our words today reflect our love for You and clearly show that Christ is living in us. – Martin R. De Haan II

Thinking It Over

Do my words reflect the real me, or am I pretending?

In what way do my words reflect the godly

characteristics described above?

READ: Matthew 12:33-37

What we say reveals who we are.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Chronicles 15-16

• John 12:27-50