Ernst Barlach, 1870-1938
Lehrender Christus, mit vorgestreckten Händen, 1922

Jesus knows we’re human. At times we’re going to be judgmental, indifferent, greedy, resentful, and self-seeking. We’re also going to be compassionate, loving, forgiving, and generous.

What happens when I think negative, hurtful thoughts? What happens when I speak scornfully, sarcastically, or otherwise unkindly to myself and others?

What happens when I deliberately choose to think positive, grateful thoughts? What happens when I speak respectfully and kindly to myself and others?

Jesus urges us to be aware of our thoughts and how we act on them. We have the power to change the world with our attitudes and actions.

[Jesus summoned the crowd again and said to them,] “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” Mark 7:20-23