[Jesus continued,] "A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart."
—Luke 6:43-45 NLT
Ultimately, all the principles Jesus talks about in Luke 6 are heart issues. Our hearts, not just our actions, need to be conformed to God's will. Yes, our actions are crucial. Yes, obedience is necessary. However, that obedience needs to be heartfelt and heart-driven. When it is, then our hearts determine the fruit we bear. So let's ask God to guard our hearts, cleanse our hearts, and conform our hearts to his own.
Holy God, purify my heart. Remove from it all bitterness and rivalry. Get rid of self-interest and evil. By the power of your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 6:43-45 NLT
Key Thought
Ultimately, all the principles Jesus talks about in Luke 6 are heart issues. Our hearts, not just our actions, need to be conformed to God's will. Yes, our actions are crucial. Yes, obedience is necessary. However, that obedience needs to be heartfelt and heart-driven. When it is, then our hearts determine the fruit we bear. So let's ask God to guard our hearts, cleanse our hearts, and conform our hearts to his own.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, purify my heart. Remove from it all bitterness and rivalry. Get rid of self-interest and evil. By the power of your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Continue reading...