Three lines stood out to me this morning.

Paul says, “I am speaking as to sensible people.” Then a little later, “Are we stronger than he?” And Jesus says in the Gospel, “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”

I kept trying to figure out how those three fit together.

“Sensible people” made me think Paul is telling us to pay attention. To look honestly at ourselves and what is going on in our hearts.

Because I don’t think the stuff filling our hearts is always obvious. Worry, pride, impatience, wanting control, those things can get in there almost subconsciously.

And I think the enemy is perfectly happy to put them there because he knows they take up space that is reserved for Christ.

Then eventually they come out. Maybe I don’t say, “I’m worried” or “I’m prideful.” It just comes out in my attitude. I’m short with somebody. I complain. I have to prove my point. I get irritated because something isn’t going the way I think it should.

“From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.”

And then Paul asks, “Are we stronger than he?”

Nope. I’m not strong enough to clean all that out myself. I need His grace.

There are things I worry about that I simply cannot fix. I can pray, love, and do what God puts in front of me, but ultimately I have to give them to Him and make room for Him.

Maybe that is the challenge today. Pay attention to what is coming out of us. It might tell us something about what we have allowed to fill our hearts.

Lord, by Your grace, empty me of anything taking up the space that belongs to You, and fill me with You.

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:14-22; Psalm 116; Luke 6:43-49