How Is Your Heart?
/No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. 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 6:43-45
February is a month that reminds us of the expression of love toward others, especially for those who are married or are in a relationship. It seems everywhere you go, you are reminded of Valentine's Day and this celebration of love.
As I read the passage in Luke 6, it was good to be reminded of what is going on in my heart toward those I care about and serve. Is there good stored up in my heart? Do I emit God's love every day? Are others encouraged by what they see in my life and ministry? Am I bearing good fruit?
These are difficult questions but it causes us to think about the kind of Valentine we are being to those around us. Jesus spoke about trees bearing good fruit or bad fruit. He used the examples of figs and grapes and how we don't gather them from thornbushes and briers. We know that figs and grapes are usually found on trees and vines. So what we produce in our lives comes from within our hearts whether it is our words, attitudes or actions.
As Valentine's Day approaches, you may want to remind the one you love of how much you really care. And each and every day, take a look at your own heart to see what it is producing as you serve others.
