Heart Flow

“For each tree is known by its own fruit. … A good man produces good fruit out of the storeroom of his heart. An evil man produces evil out of the evil storeroom, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart.” (Luke 6:44-45)

One of the reasons there is no cause to judge others is that the substance of someone’s heart will always become self-evident, sooner or later. A heart filled with the goodness of God will express that goodness. A heart that is filled with evil may be able to fool people for a time, but evil will eventually find its way to expression.

For example, Jude warned about “certain men [who] have come in by stealth; they are ungodly, turning the grace of our God into promiscuity and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” He described them as “discontented grumblers, walking according to their desires; their mouths utter arrogant words, flattering people for their own advantage.”

Goodness of heart is a fundamental, foundational, elemental condition. It cannot be manufactured. It has only one Source – the Holy Spirit. He produces this goodness when faith catalyzes a spiritual union with Him in a life event we describe as “being born again,” being saved. Consistent, life-long goodness flows from the heart of one who believes in Jesus. Maybe that is part of what Jesus meant when He spoke of an overflowing fountain.

Lord, May the flow that comes from our hearts always serve to honor You. Amen.