WHAT’S IN YOUR WELLSPRING?

What is in Your Heart?

“We’re going to pretend that this empty glass is Christopher’s heart,” I told the cluster of kids sitting around the table in Children’s Church.  “One morning, Christopher wakes up and sees that his older sister has eaten the last bit of his favorite Cocoa Puffs cereal.  How will that make him feel?”

“He’ll feel sad,” offered Hannah sympathetically.  “He’ll be mad!” added Mercer.

Pouring a foul-smelling concoction of soy sauce, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce into Christopher’s glass, I explained that this represented his sadness and anger. Then, we continued to talk about the events of his day, adding more dark liquid each time he was hurt or offended.  Christopher had to hold his full glass with both hands now.

“What if someone makes Christopher mad now?  What’s going to come out?”  I bumped the glass and the dirty liquid spilled out.  “Ewwww! Gross!” chorused the kids.

“So what is Christopher going to do with all this stuff in his heart?” I asked the class.  Wide-eyed, the kids waited on the edge of their seats in anticipation.  “What if we try to cover it up or make it smell better?”  I added perfume to the liquid and tied a ribbon around the glass.

“That’s not going to work!” shouted Mercer.  “It’s still there!”

Pour Out Your Heart

As I slowly emptied the contents of the glass into a bucket, I explained that the way for Christopher to begin getting rid of his heart pollution is to pour out his heart to Jesus – telling Him all about what has hurt or offended him. Then, I poured clean water into Christopher’s empty glass and continued, “As Christopher forgives his older sister and each and every person who has hurt or offended him,  Jesus will fill his heart with His love, joy, peace, and patience and more!”

What about you?  What’s your heart full of? If someone “bumps” you today, what will spill out?  Don’t let the poison of bitterness or unforgiveness accumulate until it explodes in destructive words and behavior.

Pour out your heart to the Lord – get the poison out, give thanks to the Lord and forgive each and every person who has hurt or offended you. Then, YOUR heart will overflow from a life-giving wellspring to those around you!

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Going vertical!

MJ