Heart talk. Today words and explanations. That’s why there are more than two or three verses in this study. May you have ears that hear and eyes that see what really is here. Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for the explanation even if we don’t feel like we need it, thank You for being so kind and compassionate and revealing to us how very much our behavior matters. Lead us, Lord.
Matthew 15:10-11, 15-20 – Amplified Bible
Please read all of it.
10 After Jesus called the crowd to Him, He said, “Listen and understand this: 11 It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that defiles and dishonors him, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles and dishonors him.”
The Heart of Man
15 Peter asked Him, “Explain this parable [about what defiles a person] to us.” 16 And He said, “Are you still so dull [and unable to put things together]? 17 Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach, and is eliminated? 18 But whatever [word] comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this is what defiles and dishonors the man. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts and plans, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slanders (verbal abuse, irreverent speech, blaspheming). 20 These are the things which defile and dishonor the man; but eating with [ceremonially] unwashed hands does not defile the man.”
If it’s what is in our heart that defiles us, then we need to be very careful what we see what we put into it. And we most certainly need to guard it.
1 John 5:21
Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].
Luke 21:34
“But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life, and then that day [when the Messiah returns] will not come on you suddenly like a trap;
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
The best way to protect your heart is to stay close to Jesus. His Peace is the best guardian.
Have a great day. Grow your faith.
Take me back to the Matthew Links. I want a Longer Study.