Matters of the Heart

I've often heard people say things like, "Oh, I didn't mean that..." But, the question that always comes to my mind is:"Well, why did you say that"? In fact, if I can be transparent, I've said things that I later regretted. However, as we mature, we essentially stop making excuses for the words that we utter; instead, we develop a habit of checking the condition and intents of our hearts. Granted, we all have our "moments" of frustration and even bouts of anger. Nevertheless, it's not an excuse to continue in unhealthy, unproductive behavior.

Being healthy and whole starts within. Many of you have heard people say, "you are what you eat". This principle applies to both your physical and mental well-being. Thus, I will add, "you are what you think" as your life is an expression of what's already happening in your head.

What we convey to others reveals what’s in our hearts. Success and/or failure in any area of life is not just a mere set of circumstances; but a mindset, and a matter of the heart. What we communicate will shape our path and become our reality. For example, negative people attract one another. Grumblers gather to commiserate. You attract, and become, what's growing inside of you.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”—Luke 6:45

SIX TYPES OF COMMUNICATORS FOR WHICH TO GIVE THANKS

• Encouragers—who build us up

• Advocates—who speak up on our behalf

• Listeners—who care about our thoughts and feelings

• Storytellers—who give us joy and delight

• Forgivers—who make things right when we’re wrong

• Challengers—who ask appropriate questions about our communication

Conclusion:

Watch your speech and the intents of your heart. What you feed, will grow. Therefore, communicate love, grace, kindness, forgiveness, triumph, perseverance, success, and God's plan and thoughts for your life (and the lives of others). And, remember...it starts in your heart. What you put in, is what you'll get out.

References

Schultze, Q. J. & Badzinkski, D. M. (2015). An essential guide to interpersonal communication. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic