Our Thoughts Matter

How many times do you let negative thoughts about others enter your brain? As Christ-followers we can tend to hide behind our thoughts. We justify our spiteful inner comments because at least we didn’t say them aloud and hurt the person. But what if those thoughts did hurt someone? What if those thoughts even hurt you?

1 John 3:15, “Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart.

Matthew 5:27-28, “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Jesus is speaking out against the people who may have followed the law of that day on paper but their hearts were corrupt with hatred and lust. We are called to protect our hearts against any evil thought that can come our way. I know it is easy to “default” and let your brain wander into places it shouldn't go but that is when our seemingly harmless thoughts can turn into dangerous actions. The enemy likes to start off with a whisper that grows over time to a voice so loud we no longer have control. So many cheating stories start off with light flirting that leads to a full-blown affair. So many churches have failed because of the hateful thoughts of others turning into gossip and then destroying relationships. If someone has hurt you, it is okay to hurt and process that emotion but let the focus stay on you and your healing, not the person who wronged you. If you must think of that person then follow the instructions for Matthew 5.

Matthew 5: 43-44, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Jesus instructs this because praying for your enemy will not only help you see them in a refreshing light and could even lead to their own heart change. Hopefully, over time you can truly love them again even if it has to be from a distance.

We must protect our thoughts because God can even reveal things to us within our mindful convictions. The question is are you letting him? Or is your heart filled with so much of your own desires that God's has no room to move? Our thoughts matter and praying for self-control so those thoughts do not destroy the life you are building is critical. Stop the harmful thought at the source so it never grows into a regret. You can be the person God has created you to be by filling your mind with thoughts that encourage growth. Jesus calls us to not be rule followers but people who truly live out the holy life we are called to, and that starts with our thoughts.

Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Sources: The Communicator Commentary, NLT Bible, Bible Gateway.