Day 26: The Power of Your Words

“But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” (Matthew 15:18, NIV)

“Let me guess, Mom, you want to get to what’s in my heart.”

And can you believe his teenage self said it in conjunction with a half eye-roll? Little did he realize, though, his reaction affirmed our issue definitely was a heart matter, and getting to the bottom of it was necessary.

Being a mama involves a million momentary decisions. 

Our children did, do, and will make poor choices on a consistent basis. Our job in training them up is determining which choices need consequences, which are quality talking points, and which are molehills we can possibly ignore.

Often, it’s overwhelming. However, the Word of God is always our greatest help and the Holy Spirit our greatest Helper.

Scripture tells us what comes from the mouth is an overflow of the heart. Our actions and thoughts are all tied to the same place–the heart. So, it serves us well to examine our child’s heart in relation to the situations we face.

We need to ask ourselves where our child’s behavior or choice comes from. Is it a heart matter or a momentary lapse in thinking? Is it a place where they lack clear understanding of what God wishes for them, or was it in intentional opposition to what they know to be right and good?

We are all tempted at times to answer with the infamous, “Because I told you so.” Life is hectic; but, sweet Mama, lean into the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, take that extra breath of energy, and get to the heart matter with your child. The extra moments will not only lessen the overwhelm in the long run, but will help your child grow into an adult who loves the Lord, and loves others well from the depths of a well cultivated heart.  

​-Lori