Welcome to “Karen’s Notes” where once each week I get to share a brief thought from her conference notes or Bible study journal. This will be #310.

Great Scripture for us: The Lord Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35).

Brief snapshot from Karen’s Notes: Words come from the heart. We are reminded of this in Matthew 12:34-35. Christ was speaking to the Pharisees about the condition of their hearts. James warns us of the danger of an uncontrolled tongue. He compares it to a fire with widespread damage when left unchecked (James 3). We need to be an encourager and not a discourager. Aim to build up and not to tear down.