Out of the Mouth the Heart Speaks: The Power of Words, the Truth of the Heart

A Reflection on Racial Tensions, Words, and the Human Heart

Introduction: Words Reveal Our Hearts

“Out of the mouth the heart speaks.” This saying, rooted in Scripture, reminds us that the things we say reflect what’s truly inside us. Over the years, especially when it comes to race, words have revealed much about what people believe, feel, and struggle with. Whether in public or private, what slips out of our mouths can show hidden prejudices, deep hurts, or—sometimes—genuine love and care.

Racial Tensions and the Weight of Words

We don’t need to look far back into history, or even much past the headlines, to see examples of racial tension. The most recent controversy in Maryland involved a lawmaker using a racial slur—specifically, the “n” word—while referring to a district and a group of people. This wasn’t some accidental slip in a private moment; it was said around others, and now the lawmaker is facing the consequences, needing to apologize for the pain caused.

When these kinds of incidents happen, we often wonder: what was the full story? What was said before and after? Was it a careless joke, a moment of anger, or something deeper? No matter the context, the words spoken have power. They wound, they divide, and they reveal more than just a fleeting thought; they show what’s really in the heart.

The Heart: Where Racism Begins

Many people try to explain away racist comments or attitudes by saying, “It’s just how I was raised,” or “I didn’t really mean it.” But at the end of the day, racism isn’t just a matter of upbringing or ignorance—it’s a heart issue. Scripture puts it plainly: “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

We like to think we know ourselves. When confronted, people often say, “God knows my heart.” That’s true—God does know the condition of our hearts perfectly, even when we can’t see it ourselves. The problem is, our hearts can trick us. We might think we’re good, or that our intentions are pure, but the things we say in unguarded moments—the jokes, the comments, the whispers—show what’s really tucked away inside.

Why Words Matter

God’s Word has a lot to say about what comes out of our mouths. In Matthew 12:34, Jesus says, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” In other words, our words are like windows into our souls. When someone uses a racial slur or makes an insensitive comment, it’s not just a mistake. It’s a signpost, pointing back to something in their heart that needs to be dealt with.

Words can hurt deeply. That’s why, after these incidents, people are often sent to “sensitivity training.” The hope is that, given a chance to learn and reflect, people will change—not just what they say, but what they believe. But true change doesn’t come from a seminar or course; it comes from a transformation within.

Misunderstandings and the Complexity of Motives

It’s possible to be misjudged. Sometimes, people misunderstand what we say or do. We’ve all had moments where we’ve been unfairly accused of having bad motives or poor character when that wasn’t our intent. On the flip side, sometimes our true thoughts or beliefs come out, even if we didn’t mean for anyone to hear them.

The difference between past racist incidents and those of today isn’t only about who said what, but about context and time. People can and do change. Some who once held racist views have grown, repented, and become advocates for justice and unity. But even so, no one expects racial slurs or hateful speech now. We’re supposed to have moved past that, especially after the long struggle for civil rights.

What Evil Really Is

We tend to think of evil as something outrageous—crimes, violence, hatred in its most obvious forms. But Scripture teaches that evil can be subtle. It lurks in the quiet prejudices, the small jokes, the thoughts we never say out loud, and the words we say when we think no one is listening.

Jeremiah reminds us: “Who really knows how bad it is?” Many of us would rather not look too closely. But ignoring the truth only allows problems to fester. The only way forward is honesty and humility—admitting that, yes, even our hearts can harbor darkness.

Healing the Heart and the Power of Prayer

The psalmist says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” That’s where healing begins. It’s not enough to simply stop saying hurtful things; we need God to change us from the inside out. We need clean hearts, new spirits, and the courage to confront our own prejudices.

This isn’t easy. It means admitting we’re wrong, apologizing, and choosing to be different. It means listening instead of talking, and learning instead of justifying ourselves. Real change is possible, but it starts in the heart.

We Are All Made from One Blood

At the end of the day, Scripture tells us in Acts 17:26 that we are all made from one blood. There are no divisions in God’s eyes based on color, language, or culture. Racism, then, isn’t just a social problem; it’s a spiritual one. It’s a denial of the truth that we are all God’s children, all equally valuable and loved.

When we hurt each other with our words, we’re not just breaking social norms—we’re harming people who are made in God’s image. The consequences go beyond embarrassment or job loss; they strike at the heart of our communities and our very sense of belonging.

Moving Forward: What Can We Do?

·      Reflect on your own heart. Take time to consider what you really believe about others, especially those who are different from you.

·      Watch your words. Think before you speak, especially in moments of anger or frustration. Remember, your words have power.

·      Seek forgiveness if you’ve hurt someone. Apologize and make amends. Don’t just say “I didn’t mean it”—try to understand why you said it in the first place.

·      Ask God for a clean heart. Pray for transformation that goes deeper than the surface.

·      Celebrate our common humanity. Remember that we all have the same origin, and treat others with respect and dignity.

·      Commit to change. Don’t just rely on training or rules. Make a personal commitment to uproot racism, prejudice, and hate from your own life.

Conclusion: The Hope of a Changed Heart

Carefully choosing our words isn’t only about steering clear of racial slurs; what we say every day has the power to wound or uplift those around us. Our language matters, and making thoughtful choices can have a lasting impact.

No one is perfect. We all experience times when we wish we could take back something we said. But there’s hope. When we approach life with humility, honesty, and seek help from God, our hearts can be transformed. Our words can encourage and strengthen others instead of causing pain. We can choose to leave behind a legacy of love and unity, rather than one of division and hate.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “God knows my heart,” remember that’s true—but it’s also a call to action. Let’s aim for hearts that are pure, words that bring healing, and lives that embody the love we’re meant to share with the world.

Minister A Francine Green

October 2025