Getting Bumped

READ: MATTHEW 12:34-37; ROMANS 5:1-11; 1 JOHN 4:16-19

We all know the feeling. We’re going about our day and something happens—a difficult conversation, a snag at school or work, a major food spill on our clothes, forgetting our lunch, etc. When something happens to mess up our plans or efforts, it’s like a bump that pushes us off course. When things don’t go our way, often a bit of what’s in our hearts spills out. If our hearts are filled with patience and kindness, gentle words spill out. But if we’re still working through hatred or fear, harsh words sometimes spill out instead.

What comes out when you get bumped—when things don’t go right for you? When we realize we’ve acted in a harsh way toward someone, we can confess it to Jesus and to those we were harsh toward. We can rest assured that when we come to Jesus there is always forgiveness—no matter what we’ve said or done. He has already paid for all our sins through His death and resurrection, and He’ll help us remember that He has filled our hearts with His love through the Holy Spirit. So, no matter what happens to bump our plans off course, His love can spill over onto others through our words and actions.

But what about when cruel words keep spilling out of us and we can’t seem to stop? Jesus wants to help us with this too. Even when we mess up, out of Jesus’s mouth flows grace, forgiveness, love, and promises for us—because that’s what’s in His heart for us. Through His Spirit, His Word (the Bible), and His people (the church), He’ll help us untangle any lies or false assumptions that get in the way of resting in the truth of His love for us and others. Remember that the kind of love He has for each of us is full of patience, kindness, and understanding…and that’s the same love He’s filled our hearts with. So, when we get bumped, we can trust Him to help us rest in His love and let others see that love overflowing from within us. • A. W. Smith

• Can you think of a time someone spilled unkind words on you? How did it feel? What might have been going on in their world when that happened? Even though unkindness is not excusable, understanding where people are coming from can help us have compassion on them.

• Can you think of a time you’ve been harsh when you’ve gotten bumped? How can resting in the truth of Jesus’s love help us communicate with love and clarity, even when we get bumped?

• When you experience big emotions that you’re not sure how to process, who are safe people in your life you can talk with—such as counselors, parents, pastors, etc.?

“…the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.” Matthew 12:34b (CSB)