Jesus summoned the crowd again and
said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and
understand. Nothing that enters one from
outside can defile that person; but the
things that come out from within are what defile."
When he got home away from the
crowd his disciples questioned him about
the parable. He said to them, "Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?"
(Thus he declared all foods clean.) "But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his heart, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile."
I am guilty of responding negatively when lied to. There is very little I despise more than a liar. In the past, to ease the pain, I have administered the pain back by letting go of confidences, bringing others into places they shouldn't be. We are all guilty of gossip, right? In Volume Two, Jesus reiterates the above parable:
"My child, when you read
scripture you will become familiar with how I lived. You must do this daily and
through scripture you will learn about Me. Days will pass and your life will
unfold before you and you will find yourself becoming Me. You will watch your
heart be moved with pity for humanity, as Mine was moved. You will accept hurts
with dignity and understanding, seeking no revenge. Yes, you will change."
Thank you, Lord, for showing me through the Gospels and this mission, how to control not only what goes in, but what comes out of me, too. I am a work in progress and I pray you continue to calm my heart.
God bless,
Bonnie
No comments:
Post a Comment