What’s Coming Out of Your Heart?

by Pastor Krista Price
Week of September 28, 2026

Words can come out quickly.

In the heat of a disagreement, after a frustrating moment or even in an everyday conversation, we can say something before we’ve really stopped to think about it. But Jesus reminds us that our words can reveal something deeper about what is happening within us.

As we continue making our way through the New Testament, we come to Matthew 15. Jesus is speaking with His disciples after an encounter with the Pharisees and teachers of the law about what makes a person clean or unclean.

Jesus shifts the focus from what is happening on the outside to what is happening within.

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

That’s a challenging reminder.

It can be easy to dismiss harsh language, gossip, insults or angry words as simply part of the culture around us. We hear them in entertainment, sports, social media and everyday conversations. When something becomes common enough, we can begin to accept it without giving it much thought.

But as followers of Christ, we are called to something different.

Jesus reminds us that our words matter because they reflect what is in our hearts. What we say can encourage someone or tear them down. It can bring peace into a difficult situation or add more anger. It can show patience and grace—or reveal that we need to spend some time examining what is happening inside us.

So maybe the question for us this week is simple: What is coming out of my heart?

Before we speak, post or respond, we can stop and ask whether our words are helpful, kind and worthy of the faith we profess. We won't always get it right, but we can intentionally choose words that bring more goodness into the lives of the people around us.

In a world where negativity can be loud, Christians have an opportunity to sound different.

Let’s be people who encourage. Let’s be people who build others up. Let’s be people whose words reflect the love, grace and goodness of Christ.

As we continue our journey through the New Testament together, may we pay attention not only to the words coming from our mouths, but also to the hearts they come from.

Have a blessed week, and we hope to see you Sunday at Salem!

Image courtesy of People.com.