In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us, “From the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.” This powerful truth challenges us to consider how our words affect others. Every word we speak, text, or post has the potential to lift someone up or tear them down. What we say reflects what’s in our hearts, and that makes it important to ask, “What’s filling my heart?”
Jesus also warns us, “Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?” This question reminds us to reflect on our own hearts and actions before we speak words of correction or criticism. If we fail to address the “wooden beams” in our own lives, our words may come across as hypocritical or hurtful rather than helpful.
When our hearts are filled with love, gratitude, and kindness, our words naturally mirror those qualities. We are called to use our words to encourage, comfort, and inspire the people around us. In contrast, when anger, jealousy, or pride take hold of our hearts, negativity unavoidably seeps into our speech. Harsh words can wound deeply, often leaving a greater impact than we realize. Whether spoken directly, shared on social media, or sent in a text message, our words have the power to leave lasting impressions—both positive and negative.
Think about the words we share online. Social media gives us the power to reach many people with just a few clicks. Are we using this power responsibly? Do our posts spread positivity, or do they stir division and hurt? Likewise, in texts and other electronic messages, it’s easy to be careless or impatient, especially when we’re stressed, but the impact of our words remains the same.
Jesus invites us to examine our hearts because that’s where change begins. If our words have been unkind or thoughtless, it’s a chance to ask God to transform our hearts. When we fill ourselves with His love, patience, and mercy, our words will naturally reflect His light.
This week, let’s pause before we speak, text, or post. Are my words kind? Do they lift others up? By being mindful of our words’ impact, we can bring more love and encouragement into the world—one word at a time.