What a person speaks reveals what is in their heart, because whatever your heart is filled with will come out of your mouth—whether good or bad.
When we hear someone constantly speaking negatively, using offensive words, telling lies, or living in the past of others, it means that their heart is filled with dead things: a wounded heart, a bitter heart. And the only One who can heal such a heart is the Word and the presence of God.
Easter is a celebration of love, truth, obedience, and above all, peace.
We prepare for Easter as we remember the birth of our King, Christ. Although there is discussion about the exact date, the evidence of His birth is great for all who believe in Him. The Bible does not mention the exact date of His birth, nor the date of His death, but we have eternal evidence. No matter how many people have tried to change history or act as if they know better, His Birth, His Life, His Death, and His Resurrection remain firm in our hearts, and all the proof still exists.
This is true of no one else but Jesus Christ, because He alone rose again and His tomb is empty.
We must examine our hearts and put them in order according to the Word of God.
We must live in truth.
We must forgive others from the heart.
We must stop insulting others.
We must love others.
We must live well with one another.
We must seek to know God’s plan for our lives.
To do all these things, our hearts must be in the right place, because the Word of God says in Matthew 12:34–35:
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good person brings good things out of the good stored up in them, and an evil person brings evil things out of the evil stored up in them.”
Let us visit our friends and family with open hearts and joy—not with drunkenness and wild partying—because no one needs drugs or alcohol to celebrate Easter. Each of us must be able to remember in our hearts what Easter truly means to us.
We cannot celebrate something when our hearts are far from it. It is impossible to celebrate what your heart does not desire. For a long time, people have lived as if Easter were a time to show off what they have: who has the most beautiful house, the best decorations, the biggest ham, or the most alcohol at home.
But the time has come to realize that we must dedicate the best praise to our King, the best songs to His glory and this can only come from a heart that longs for the presence of God.
Our tables may look beautiful, our homes beautiful, our cars beautiful, and we may have plenty of food but what matters is our heart. What matters is our relationship with one another, our marriages, our families, and our children.
Remember well: in a marriage or family, it is not right to send someone an Easter greeting through an app while living together in conflict. That artificial lifestyle does not please God. We must treat one another with a sincere heart, because we must remember that what truly matters is the heart we have.
Prepare your Easter with a sincere heart.
Written by Pastor Marcel Balootje