Saturday, March 22, 2025
Luke 6:43-45, NIV
No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things stored out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.
Reflection - Pastor Caroline Bashore, First UCC, Royersford and Linfield UCC
Have you ever sent a text message to the wrong person by accident? Maybe you were venting about someone, only to realize—too late—that you had sent it to the very person you were talking about. That sinking feeling in your stomach isn’t just embarrassment; it’s the realization that your words are out there, revealing more than you intended. In that moment, there’s no taking it back—what was hidden in your thoughts has been exposed for others to see.
Jesus tells us that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Just like a tree naturally produces fruit according to its kind, our words and actions reveal what we have been storing inside us. If we are holding onto anger, resentment, or impatience, those things will slip out—sometimes in an unguarded moment, a careless comment, or even an accidental text. But if our hearts are full of kindness, grace, and patience, that will come out too.
Lent is a time for a heart check. Before we “hit send” on our words—whether spoken or typed—what if we paused to consider where they are coming from? Are they rooted in love or in frustration? Are they bearing good fruit or causing harm?
Prayer: Lord, help me examine my heart. Fill me with your love so that my words and actions reflect your grace. May the fruit of my life be pleasing to you. Amen.
Comments