For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.– Matthew 12:34
Words Reflect Our Inner Thoughts
As we explore the idea of what goes in must come out, we recognize that our words and actions are reflections of our inner thoughts and feelings. Our hearts hold our true beliefs and emotions, and it is from this place that we speak and act. We need to be mindful of the input we allow into our lives since it will shape how we respond and interact with others. Guarding our hearts and minds is essential because it directly influences our language, behavior, and overall character. We should fill our hearts with kindness, love, and truth so that what comes out reflects God’s goodness.
Luke 6:45
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.– Luke 6:45
Proverbs 4:23
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.– Proverbs 4:23
Matthew 15:18
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.– Matthew 15:18
James 3:10
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.– James 3:10
Colossians 3:8
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.– Colossians 3:8
The Power of Influence
The environment we are part of significantly impacts what goes into us, both physically and spiritually. Our surroundings can influence our thoughts, actions, and ultimately our words. It is crucial for us to choose our influences wisely, deciding what relationships, media, and messages we allow to shape our perspectives. When we center ourselves around positive influences—friends who uplift us, scriptures that encourage, and activities that glorify God—we set ourselves up to produce good fruit in our lives. Remember, we are not only influenced by others, but we also impact those around us by how we respond and act.
1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”– 1 Corinthians 15:33
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.– Philippians 4:8
Psalm 1:1-2
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.– Psalm 1:1-2
Proverbs 13:20
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.– Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 12:26
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.– Proverbs 12:26
The Role of Spiritual Nourishment
What goes into us isn’t just physical food but also spiritual nourishment. As we seek to know God, it is in prayer, worship, and reading His Word that we feed our spirits. Just like our physical bodies need nutritious food to thrive, our souls need to be fed by scripture and fellowship. This spiritually enriching nourishment guides us in how we express ourselves and interact with those around us. It’s important for us to set aside time daily to dive into the Bible, pray, and build our relationship with God. This input shapes who we are and what comes out of us.
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’– Matthew 4:4
John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”– John 6:35
1 Peter 2:2
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.– 1 Peter 2:2
Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.– Hebrews 5:14
Psalm 119:11
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.– Psalm 119:11
The Impact of Our Actions
What goes into us also encompasses our actions. The choices we make and the behaviors we exhibit communicate who we are. Actions often speak louder than words. It is through our actions that we show our faith and reflect God’s love to others. We should strive to ensure that our actions mirror the teachings of Jesus, spreading kindness, grace, and compassion. Our aim is to let our light shine so that others see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Every decision counts in the journey of authentic living.
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.– Galatians 6:7
Titus 2:7-8
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.– Titus 2:7-8
James 1:22
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.– James 1:22
1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.– 1 John 3:18
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.– Matthew 5:16
Roots and Fruits of Our Lives
What goes in must indeed come out, as we learn from observing the roots and fruits of our lives. Our inner spiritual condition, including what we put into our hearts and minds, influences the way we live and the actions we produce. Much like a healthy tree bears good fruit, our lives can reflect goodness and righteousness when we are nourished by truth and godly teachings. We need to be aware of what we allow to take root in our lives, so we can cultivate a flourishing faith that bears good fruit in our actions and interactions.
Matthew 7:17
Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.– Matthew 7:17
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.– Galatians 5:22-23
John 15:5
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.– John 15:5
Jeremiah 17:7-8
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.– Jeremiah 17:7-8
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.– Proverbs 3:5-6
Transforming Our Thoughts
Our thoughts shape our realities, and they set the foundation for what goes in and what comes out. When we intentionally fill our minds with positivity, hope, and God’s Word, we transform not just our thoughts but our hearts and actions too. We can choose to meditate on what aligns with Christ’s purpose for our lives. This transformation can lead us not only to personal growth and peace but to also impact those around us positively. As we start thinking along these lines, the ripple effect can inspire and encourage others in their walk of faith.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.– Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.– 2 Corinthians 10:5
Philippians 2:5
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.– Philippians 2:5
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.– Isaiah 26:3
Colossians 3:2
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.– Colossians 3:2
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the important message that what goes in comes out, let’s remember that our words, actions, and thoughts carry great power. We need to be mindful of the influences we allow in our lives, from the people around us to the media we consume. By nourishing our souls with God’s Word and surrounding ourselves with positivity, we equip ourselves to share love and goodness with others. The roots we plant in our hearts will produce the fruits we share with the world, showcasing our faith in tangible ways. Together, we can strive to transform our minds and hearts to align with God’s truth.
Let us encourage each other in this journey, leaning on God’s promises and being a reflection of His love. We can glean more insights from the scripture while walking in faith and sharing His light. I invite you to explore other topics such as 1 John 5:1 and 1 John 4:21, which continue to shed light on our deeper understanding of God’s word.
May we continue to grow in faith and love, allowing what goes into us to bring forth good things into the world.