Say What You Mean
“But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person” – Matthew 15:18
Most people think lying is just a mouth issue. But according to Jesus, it’s actually a heart issue. Your words are just the overflow. If truth is going to come out of you, it has to start inside you.
Psalm 15 describes a righteous person as someone who acknowledges the truth in their heart and doesn’t slander with their tongue. That’s a powerful connection. What’s stored in your heart eventually shows up in your speech. So if you’re in the habit of lying, exaggerating, or slandering, it’s not just a communication problem; it’s a character problem.
Jesus said the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. When He calls out falsehood in Matthew 5, He’s not just telling people to stop lying. He’s pressing on the deeper issue. He’s saying, “If you want to speak truth, your life needs to be built on it.”
This is where following Jesus makes all the difference. A transformed heart leads to a truthful life. That’s why Proverbs 13 says the righteous hate lying. Not just because it’s wrong, but because it’s completely opposite of who they are now. The new you in Christ doesn’t need to bend the truth to protect your image. You don’t have to twist words to stay in control. You don’t have to deceive or flatter or spin the story.
Truth isn’t just convenient, it’s part of your calling. You are a follower of Jesus, who called Himself “the way, the truth, and the life.” So your words should reflect that. Speak the truth. Live the truth. Love the truth.
And when you do, you’ll find that the truth doesn’t just protect your reputation, it points people straight to Jesus.
Most people think lying is just a mouth issue. But according to Jesus, it’s actually a heart issue. Your words are just the overflow. If truth is going to come out of you, it has to start inside you.
Psalm 15 describes a righteous person as someone who acknowledges the truth in their heart and doesn’t slander with their tongue. That’s a powerful connection. What’s stored in your heart eventually shows up in your speech. So if you’re in the habit of lying, exaggerating, or slandering, it’s not just a communication problem; it’s a character problem.
Jesus said the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. When He calls out falsehood in Matthew 5, He’s not just telling people to stop lying. He’s pressing on the deeper issue. He’s saying, “If you want to speak truth, your life needs to be built on it.”
This is where following Jesus makes all the difference. A transformed heart leads to a truthful life. That’s why Proverbs 13 says the righteous hate lying. Not just because it’s wrong, but because it’s completely opposite of who they are now. The new you in Christ doesn’t need to bend the truth to protect your image. You don’t have to twist words to stay in control. You don’t have to deceive or flatter or spin the story.
Truth isn’t just convenient, it’s part of your calling. You are a follower of Jesus, who called Himself “the way, the truth, and the life.” So your words should reflect that. Speak the truth. Live the truth. Love the truth.
And when you do, you’ll find that the truth doesn’t just protect your reputation, it points people straight to Jesus.
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