What Jesus Did! 'Look at Your Heart' — Luke 6:43-45

Sunday, April 16, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit. A tree is identified by its fruit. Figs are never gathered from thornbushes, and grapes are not picked from bramble bushes. A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart."
— Luke 6:43-45 NLT

Key Thought

Ultimately, all the principles Jesus talks about in Luke 6 are heart issues. Our hearts, not just our actions, need to be conformed to God's will. Yes, our actions are crucial. Yes, obedience is necessary. However, that obedience needs to be heartfelt and heart-driven. When it is, then our hearts determine the fruit we bear. So let's ask God to guard our hearts, cleanse our hearts, and conform our hearts to his own.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, purify my heart. Remove from it all bitterness and rivalry. Get rid of self-interest and evil. By the power of your Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Titus 2:11-15
  • Hebrews 9:14
  • James 4:8

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 6:43-45 NLT — "A good tree can't produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can't produce good fruit."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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