Summer Fruit Devotion: Goodness Day 3

Good Treasure

“Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.
Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 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 12:31-37

“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:43-45

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

Were you a little convicted by these verses? I was a lot convicted! This isn’t just about using “bad words” or what we commonly call foul language. What do you think the “evil treasure” is? Maybe things like money, sex and status and just getting our own way. When we treasure those things we start using words to manipulate and seduce and slander. These are the bad words/fruit that come from “evil treasure.” So then what is the “good treasure?” When we treasure Christ and grace and mercy we will speak with love and grace and mercy. Then we can put away “corrupt talk” and speak what is “good for building up.”

Journal time. When was the last time you said something you regretted? Something mean or manipulating or a flat out lie? Think about what you were treasuring in your heart. Repent to God and seek forgiveness from whoever you may have hurt with careless or evil words.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, we are so glad that your heart is only full of good treasure. Thank you for all the grace and love you speak to us in your word and through your Son, Jesus. Help us to hear this admonition loud and clear. Holy Spirit help us to shovel out the “evil treasure” like trash and fill us with your good treasures so that our mouths speak good words from hearts full of mercy, grace and love. In the treasured name of Jesus we pray, Amen.