Our Scripture for today is Matthew 12:33-37
[33] Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.
[34] You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
[35] The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.
[36] But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
[37] For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Inspired by these verses, I am going to title this Devotion with the strange name:
“Who are you and what did you say?”
There are two answers to this question.
1. First, Who are You?
Well, you are what you do! The words in Matthew 12:33, “for a tree is known by its fruit,” remind us that our actions ultimately define who we are. It’s not enough to simply claim good intentions or hold positive beliefs. Just as a healthy tree naturally produces good fruit, a person of genuine character demonstrates their goodness through their deeds. Our actions speak volumes, leaving a lasting impression on the world around us. This simple yet profound truth encourages us to constantly strive to live our values and let our actions reflect the best version of ourselves.
2. Second, Who are You?
You are also known by what you say. Our words reveal our hearts. What resides in the inner recesses of our being eventually comes out through our speech. If our hearts are filled with goodness, kindness, and wisdom, our words will reflect those virtuous qualities. We’ll speak life, encouragement, truth, and love. But if our hearts harbor hatred, jealousy, foolishness, and malice, then our hurtful, careless, and destructive words will expose the decay within. Try as we might to conceal it, what dominates our hearts will find expression through our lips. Our unfiltered speech betrays our true selves. We can’t hide our inner darkness or light. The overflow of the heart’s abundance rushes forth, for better or worse. Our words make known the condition of our hearts.
Lonnie Davis