"A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Luke 6:45
It’s 8 in the morning, and I’m getting ready for a doctor’s appointment. Expecting a day with a fairly normal routine of waking up, running errands, doing chores around the house, and anything leisurely for a day off. It was then that I received a call about my uncle not doing well. He has been laying in bed for a few days, in pain, and unable to do things for himself. So my day immediately shifts as I plan on spending time with him and paying him a visit.
During this visit, I was welcomed in with remarks of “have you eaten”, “get Harry something to drink”, and more hospitality than I can imagine. My uncle’s first instincts were to take care of anyone who visited him. Not focusing on the pains he was dealing with, but a want to serve, to love, and to give to others. He wanted to sit up to be with family and join us as we ate. He constantly asked for us and cared for us. His heart and mouth overflows with compassion for others beyond himself. That is what he holds closest to him.
Each of us has treasures stored up in our hearts. Maybe it is family, a possession, or a hobby. As we reflect upon our lives, the words we’ve spoken, and the ways we’ve chosen to live, what are the things you have treasured? What have you stored up in your heart? Our heart includes how we think, the things we desire, how we behave and how we feel. The culmination of these things are demonstrated through our words, habits and behaviors.
As I think about my uncle, family, love, and compassion are all things overflowing his heart. He holds those things closest to him. As believers, are our hearts desiring God? Is our relationship with Jesus so close to us that not only our hearts are cleansed but the overflow of our hearts is a reflection of Christ’s love for us? True fruitfulness isn’t putting on a show. Rather, it’s an expression of a good heart formed by God as we engage in spiritual practices that help us be transformed by God’s grace.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be more like You. May my heart be filled and overflowing with Your love and grace. Replace what is evil in me with what is good in You. Set me free from the sin that binds me. Give me a powerful longing for You, Your kingdom, and Your righteousness. May all that I am, all that I do, and all that I say be for Your purposes and glory. Amen.
