What Flavour

… For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 

(Luke 6:45, NKJV)

First impressions of someone or something do not tell the full story. Think of a gift well packaged, the wrapping material is bright and beautiful giving us an idea that what is inside is glittering.  There is no way of knowing what is covered until one removes the wrapping to find the specific item covered.  While the wrapping material creates excitement and expectation, it is the final reveal that is magical for the recipient.  The unwrapped item is the actual present, not the wrapping. It is like peeling the onion to get to the real thing. This also applies to how we interact with others. From a young age, most of us are socialized to be on our best behaviour when we are in the presence of others, and so the accepted courtesies.  That is why when we meet someone for the first time, we cannot with authority say that we know their character, it takes time to get a sense of the real individual.  This is not to put ourselves on a pedestal, for we too take time before we reveal our true selves to others.

Our reference verse gives us a window into how we could tell what is in the heart.  The reminder that the words we speak, shed some light into what we believe and what we tell ourselves.  Jesus’ words in this verse are categorical that we give what we have, a good man will bring out good treasure while an evil man brings our evil.  The verses above it refer to the knowledge of a tree by its fruits, a good tree produces good fruits and vice versa (Luke 6:43-44).  There is an adage that “what is in well comes up in the bucket”.  As we draw water from a well, we shall know the contents and quality of the water deep within by looking at what the bucket brings to the surface.  Beloved, we need to be aware of what comes out of us.  It is all about our hearts. The bible tells us that there is wisdom in the heart of one who has understanding but not so in the heart of a fool  (Proverbs 14:33).  This is a powerful chapter which highlights the consequences of what we carry in our hearts.  Our words, our actions and our choices are mirrors of our hearts.  A heart full of God will be seen, heard and known by others, the result of which will be a blessing. 

We read of a city which was pleasant to look at but the water downstream was bitter, so that the land was barren and unproductive  (2 Kings 2:19-22).  Prophet Elisha cleansed the water by pouring in salt and it is reported that the water became good.  What Elisha did was cleansing of the water from its spiritual rottenness and once this was done, the land flourished.  Just as Prophet Elisha cleansed the water, we too can ask the Lord to give us a clean heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51:10).  This is a prayer of one who realizes that his heart is pouring out contaminated water.  When our hearts are cleansed, then out of the well within us will flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).  May we be those that give out life to those whom we interact us, may we not be those who kill whatever comes our way.  Just as we have the life of Christ in us, let us serve to others words and actions of healing and life.

Thoughts:

What is in the well of your heart?

In what interactions have you given life and healing?

Where have you been challenged to give the fruit of love?