goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

The Heart of the Matter

By Linda Tancs

It’s fair to say that the Bible gets to the heart of the matter–that is, matters of the heart. We’re told that out of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). That’s one reason why we should guard our heart (Proverbs 4:23). We should be cheerful (Proverbs 17:22) and pure hearted (Matthew 5:8). Above all, take heart in Jesus (John 16:33). No doubt you can come up with many illustrations showing how the heart is at the essence of everything we do, say, think or feel. It’s the foundation for our spiritual and temporal well-being.

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As part of FOOT FORWARD MINISTRIES (a teaching and speaking ministry), Go Forward in Faith represents faith-based meditations for personal and professional growth. Follow us on Twitter @moveonfaith and join the Facebook group @goforwardinfaith.

goforwardinfaith Christianity, Religion, Theology

Guard Your Heart

By Linda Tancs

What’s in your heart right now? Is it love? Compassion? Fear? Hatred? Envy? Anxiety?  If you’re not sure, then listen to what comes out of your mouth. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the power of life and death is in the tongue, and out of an abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). If your heart is filled with love and compassion, then your tongue is likely to speak life-affirming words to others—words of encouragement, affection, appreciation and so on. Conversely, if your heart is full of joy-robbing emotions like hatred, anger, resentment, fear or anxiety, then you’re likely to convey negativity to others, especially those closest to you. However, unlike the old Mills Brothers song, you don’t always have to hurt the one you love. Guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).