HIS PURITY

Mark 7:15
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person; but the things that come out from within are what defile.
-------------------------------------------

When was the last time an evil word came out of your mouth – maybe yesterday or maybe, just this morning. Have you really thought of the repercussions that those evil words have caused to the one who heard it? He may now be full of grief because of your careless words. Why not approach that person and seek his forgiveness? Let the goodness in your heart pour out through your mouth, blessing others so we may all live in harmony.

Devastating criticism, gossip, intrigue and machination are denounced in the Scriptures as the greatest sins after idolatry, because they are all violence against our brother, the image of God. They are ways of sinning with the tongue. The tongue has great power to set ablaze. It can enflame either false accusations or truthful encouragement, prideful bombast or humble thanksgiving, bitter hatred or forgiving mercy.

What fills the heart is spoken by the tongue: from a good heart, good words are born, and no gossip stems from it against any person. If we let our speech be molded according to the pattern of Sacred Scripture, then we will not let ourselves become like a withered tree with bad fruit, but rather like a healthy tree bearing good fruit for the uplifting of the Body of Christ.

“Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father” (Eph. 5:18-20)

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, teach us not return evil for evil or insult for insult. We should return a blessing instead. This we have been called to do, that we may receive a blessing for our inheritance. We want to enter into life and see prosperous days. Teach us to keep our tongue from evil and our lips from uttering deceit. My soul proclaims the Your greatness and my Spirit rejoices in Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen +

One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.