The Heart Behind our Words
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
January 18th Sermon, Day 2
Devotional
Have you ever noticed how the same words can feel completely different depending on who says them and how they say them? A simple "We need to talk" can feel threatening or caring, depending on the heart behind it.
Our words are windows into our hearts. When our hearts are filled with anger, fear, or pride, those emotions leak into our conversations, no matter how carefully we choose our words. But when our hearts are shaped by God through prayer, something beautiful happens—our words begin to carry His love.
This is why prayer isn't just a nice addition to difficult conversations; it's essential preparation. In those quiet moments with God, He works on the condition of our hearts. He reminds us of His love for us and for the person we're about to engage with. He softens our pride and strengthens our compassion.
When we skip this heart preparation, we're likely to speak from our worst impulses. We defend rather than listen. We attack rather than understand. We seek to win rather than to love.
But when we allow God to shape our hearts first, our conversations transform. We speak with patience instead of frustration. We listen with genuine curiosity instead of planning our rebuttal. We approach others with the same grace God has shown us.
The person you're struggling to communicate with needs to encounter God's love through your words. That can only happen when your heart has been touched by that same love first.
Bible Verse
'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.' - Colossians 4:2-6
Reflection Question
How might your most challenging relationships change if you consistently allowed God to shape your heart before you spoke?
Quote
The condition of our conversations is directly connected to the condition of our hearts. And it's in prayer where God shapes your heart.
Prayer
Father, I confess that too often my words reflect the condition of my heart rather than Yours. Please work in me, shaping my heart to be more like Jesus. Help me to speak from a place of love, patience, and humility. Amen.
