The Heart Revealed by the Cross
33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 12:33–37
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The Heart Revealed by the Cross
Jesus teaches that our words reveal what fills our hearts. We may carefully guard our outward appearances, but our tongues often expose the pride, anger, bitterness, and unbelief that dwell within us. God’s Law leaves us without excuse. Even our best words cannot hide the corruption of our sinful nature. Yet Christ does not leave us condemned beneath the judgment of His Law. The One who knows every careless word also willingly bore our guilt upon the cross. There, Jesus suffered the judgment our sinful hearts and tongues deserve. His blood cleanses us from every sin, including those committed with our mouths. Through Holy Baptism, the Holy Spirit gives us new hearts and renews our lives in Christ. Our words do not earn God’s favor; rather, they become fruits of faith. Therefore, repent of sinful speech, trust Christ’s forgiveness, and let His Word dwell richly in you, that your words may serve your neighbor in love.
Matthew 12:33–37
+
The Heart Revealed by the Cross
Jesus teaches that our words reveal what fills our hearts. We may carefully guard our outward appearances, but our tongues often expose the pride, anger, bitterness, and unbelief that dwell within us. God’s Law leaves us without excuse. Even our best words cannot hide the corruption of our sinful nature. Yet Christ does not leave us condemned beneath the judgment of His Law. The One who knows every careless word also willingly bore our guilt upon the cross. There, Jesus suffered the judgment our sinful hearts and tongues deserve. His blood cleanses us from every sin, including those committed with our mouths. Through Holy Baptism, the Holy Spirit gives us new hearts and renews our lives in Christ. Our words do not earn God’s favor; rather, they become fruits of faith. Therefore, repent of sinful speech, trust Christ’s forgiveness, and let His Word dwell richly in you, that your words may serve your neighbor in love.
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