Have you ever had one of those regrettable conversations that you just can’t stop thinking about? You know, that conversation where you said the wrong thing, wished you had phrased something differently, or should have just held your tongue.

That happened to me recently while volunteering at my kids’ school. Another mom and I were making small talk when I said something that was insensitive and, quite frankly, wrong. My friend quickly and kindly pointed out my incorrect thinking. I was immediately embarrassed and apologized.

I still replay that conversation in my head. Even as I write this, I find myself trying to ease my discomfort by suggesting I just picked the wrong words and didn’t mean what I said. But I admit that my words revealed a sinful bias in my heart that I needed to confess to the Lord.

The Scriptures make a strong connection between the words we speak and the condition of our hearts. “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.” (Luke 6:45)

The words we speak are like an indicator measuring our heart’s health. When our words are encouraging, loving, and full of grace and truth, we know our hearts are in tune with Scripture and God’s presence. However, when our words are selfish, angry, and cause pain and division, we know our hearts are no longer aligned with God.

God cares deeply about your heart. In Proverbs 4:23 He commands “guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” One small seed of sin planted in your heart can grow into a weed infested garden. Examine your words. What do they say about the health of your heart?

I’m so thankful for my friend who lovingly addressed my heart condition. Her courage showed me that I allowed sinful ideas to take root in my heart to the point that my words began to reflect my ungodly thinking. Lord, I pray that you will continue to show me the areas of my heart that need to be healed (Matthew 23:26). Reveal sin in me that needs to be confessed. Thank you for always extending your grace and forgiveness. I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart will be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

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