Words hurt.

Sticks and stones do break bones, and words do worse, and the heart, well, that thing will get us into more trouble than we can handle...

We sometimes think about our actions. These days, in our country, it seems we don't think about our actions very much. When we do, it seems it's only in the sense that we don't want others to know about what we do, or that we don't want people to judge what we do, not that we think of morals or that God knows what we do.

Jesus addressed this. He said, "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21 ESV)

It's true. But, there's a deeper reality at work; if it gets to our fingers --if it turns to action-- there was already intent. In other words, if we did it, it was already in our hearts.

That's why Jesus continued, saying, "But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire." (Matthew 5:22 ESV)

What Jesus reveals to all of us is that our deepest problem, and our biggest trouble is our corrupt heart. If it gets out onto our fingers or out onto our tongue, it reveals what's in our hearts. However, EVEN IF we never DO what's in our hearts OR SAY what's in our hearts, that it's in our hearts tells us something about ourselves! IF it's in our heart, we are "...liable to judgment..."

Here's the thing; we often worry about judgment from people who can SEE our actions and HEAR our words and GUESS our motives, but we really need to be concerned about the judgment of God who KNOWS our hearts.

Through the Prophet Jeremiah, God says, "But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards..." (Jeremiah 17:10 NLT)

Sticks and stones are one thing...
Words are another...
Our hearts, though, God help us; God heal us; God forgive us; God transform us. As for me, I confess, I need Him.