Matthew 15:10-20
10 Then he called the crowd to him and said to them, “Listen and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles.” 12 Then the disciples approached and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if one blind person guides another, both will fall into a pit.” 15 But Peter said to him, “Explain this parable to us.” 16 Then he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth enters the stomach, and goes out into the sewer? 18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. 19 For out of the heart come evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile.”
- Spend 5 to 15 minutes in silent meditation, allowing your deep breathing to guide you.
- Remember a time you wish you could take the words back.
- Notice what is unrooted in you when you remember this time.
- Was there a chance for reconciliation?
- If yes, how was God at work in this reconciliation?
- If no, invite God into this remembrance offering yourself forgiveness and an opportunity for reconciliation. Let go of any judgment. Listen for a message from God or a call to action.
- Give thanks to God for the unrooting and the time for healing.
- Remember a time when another’s words stung you.
- Notice what is unrooted in you when you remember this time.
- Was there a chance for reconciliation?
- If yes, how was God at work in this reconciliation?
- If no, invite God into this remembrance offering forgiveness to your neighbor and an opportunity for reconciliation. Let go of any judgment. Listen for a message from God or a call to action.
- Give thanks to God for the unrooting and the time for healing.
- Share as you feel led in the reply box below.