Reactions speak

We all know the saying, “actions speak louder than words.” I’m pretty sure most of us believe it, too. We’ve all heard people say one thing and do another. Their words became meaningless when their actions did not fulfill the promise.

This saying is true with friendships, love, parenting, teaching, in groups or one-on-one.

However, as a friend pointed out to me not long ago, perhaps the better saying is, “Reactions speak louder than words.”

The way we react, without time to craft our words, in the midst of tension or pressure or issues, speaks volumes about the kind of person we are. And as many of us unfortunately know, with a bad reaction, the words we use to cover up or make excuses or over-explain our negative actions are usually fruitless. The reaction has spoken louder than words.

Jesus pointed out in Matthew 6:45 that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” In other words, how we react is a direct window into what is stored up in our hearts.

Perhaps instead of preparing for conversations and speeches and promises, we need to “prepare” the abundance of our hearts.

What is stored up, in abundance, in your heart?

If it’s scrolling, sound bytes, episodes and entertainment, perhaps what’s stored up is impatience, envy, lack of commitment and boredom.

If it’s other people’s opinions, people-pleasing, gossip or political pundits, perhaps what’s stored up is lack of understanding, anger, chaos and even hate.

If it’s Scripture, silence, worship, listening and Godly teaching, then we know the abundance being built up in your heart is a hunger for righteousness, compassion, peace, love and holy fear.

I’m reminded today to work on the storehouse of my heart… something is there in abundance. You will know once I react.

Lord, let my reactions speak You very loudly!