March 21
2019
Out of the Abundance of the Heart
For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. “For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:43-45
What is inside will come out.
A tree cannot claim to be a good tree if it is bearing poor fruit.
In the same way, we cannot claim to be one thing while the fruit of our mouth and our deeds clearly shows something else.
We cannot harbour unforgiveness and offense in our hearts and hope that what shows on the outside is beautiful, shiny fruit.
We may be able to maintain that for a while but eventually the facade will slip and what is inside will show on the outside.
How do you nurture abundance on the inside, so that abundance comes out?
Love freely;
be kind and generous;
forgive quickly and deal with offense upfront;
do not harbour in your heart those things that cause hurt and negativity, bring them to the Cross and move forward;
get into the Word and into prayer;
fill up your heart with those things that are good and lovely.
Above all things, be honest with yourself and with Jesus.
Bring those things that you are harbouring to Him and work them out quickly.
Don’t give them a foothold in your life.
Make a determination to clean house inside and you will be guaranteed genuine curb appeal on the outside.
Question for Discussion Group:
What things are you doing to ensure abundance on the inside?