Mark 7:1-23
"Then he called the crowd again and said to them, "Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.'"
Have you ever said something you regret? We all have. Whether it be during an argument, a heated discussion, or a frank conversation we have, at one time or another, gotten caught up in the moment and said or done something we later regret having said or done. This is all part of being human. We become prideful and stubborn and our own personal agendas get in the way. As a result we speak and act in ways such that our words and actions become a source of defilement for not only ourselves, but for those around us. The exciting part about these situations is that they can be invaluable learning tools. We learn how to speak more compassionately and act more peaceably. In doing so we are able to take in and give out those things that are in direct contradiction to defilement; love, peace, grace, and understanding.
Think about a time when you said and/or did something you regretted. What did you learn from this situation?
Almighty God, we are not perfect. We say and do things that defile you, others, and ourselves. Help us to find the right words and actions in these difficult situations so that what goes in and what comes out is healthy and fulfilling. Amen.
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