God's Glory Church

“Because evil thoughts come from the heart… This is what defiles a person.” — Matthew 15:19-20

“As long as you keep your mouth shut,” I said to myself, “you won’t do anything bad.” Outwardly, I restrained my anger at my colleague, after I myself misinterpreted her words. Since we had to see each other every day, I decided to limit communication and talk to her only when necessary (repaying her with my silence). Can silent behavior be wrong?

The Lord Jesus said that sin begins in the heart (Matthew 15:18-20). My silence could have misled people into thinking that everything was fine, but not God. He knew I was hiding a heart full of anger. I was like the Pharisees, who honored God with their mouths, but their hearts were far from Him (v. 8). Although my outward appearance did not reflect my true feelings, I was full of bitterness inside. The joy and closeness I had always felt in my relationship with Heavenly Father was gone. Cultivating and hiding sin leads to this.

By God’s grace, I told my colleague about my feelings and asked for forgiveness. She graciously forgave me, and over time we became good friends. Jesus says: “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (v. 19). The state of our heart matters, because the evil that resides there can spill over into our lives. Therefore, both external and internal matters.

The Lord Jesus said that sin in our hearts defiles us. What “evil thoughts” defile your heart? How to pray about this?

Loving God, please forgive me for the sins I have harbored in my heart. I want my heart to be pleasing in Your eyes. Please help me change.

Author: Karen Huang