6月13日

標　　題：你由口中吐出什麼？

經　　節：惟獨出口的，是從心裡發出來的，這才污穢人。（馬太福音十五章18節）

聖經強調，你口中所吐出的話，會顯明你心裡的狀態。如果你的話語祝福及鼓勵他人，這些話證明你富有同情心。如果你常常分享有關基督的好消息，你表達出你為自己的救恩獻上感恩的心。當其他人在危難中，他們是否知道自己可以由你口中的話語，得到平安與慰藉？你是否常常自動自發地為人禱告？你對他們的話語及態度，是否顯出耐心？以上所有行為顯示出你的心是否像天父的心。

你是否經常為自己說的話後悔？當前是否有人因你所說的話，心中受傷及憤怒？你是否喜歡說閒話？還是你有批評人的傾向？你是否認為生氣時所說的話可以不算數？你的嘴巴是否常常喃喃抱怨？這些行為顯示出你的心不像天父的心。

你可能會說：「唉！我就是這個樣子嘛！常常有口無心說錯話！」然而，聖經上說得很清楚，惡言惡語的舌頭不在聖靈的管制之下（雅各書三：3∼10）。一張成聖的嘴，是神可以使用的美妙器具。若擁有一顆像天父的心，此人口中只會吐出純潔及仁慈的言語。不要為自己所說的話找任何藉口，求神饒恕你說過所有傷人的話。然後，求聖靈管制你的口，讓你口中吐出的每一句話，能被神使用去幫助及造就人。

What Comes out of Your Mouth?

"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man." (Matthew 15:18)

The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? Do you frequently and spontaneously offer prayers for others? Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father.

Or do you often regret your words? Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said? Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tend to criticize others? Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? Does your mouth spew grumbling and complaints? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart.

You may say, "Oh, but that's just the way I am! I'm always saying the wrong thing!" Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit (James 3:3–l0). A sanctified mouth is a wonderful instrument for the Lord. A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others.