Intent

Keep your heart with all diligence,

for out of it spring the issues of life.

~Proverbs 4:23

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What is the quality of your intent?

Certain people have a way of saying things that shake us at the core. Even when the words do not seem harsh or offensive, the impact is shattering. What we could be experiencing is the intent behind the words. When we intend to do good, we do. When we intend to do harm, it happens. What each of us must come to realize is that our intent always comes through. We cannot sugarcoat the feelings in our heart of hearts. The emotion is the energy that motivates. We cannot ignore what we really want to create. We should be honest and do it the way we feel it. What we owe to ourselves and everyone around is to examine the reasons of our true intent.

My intent will be evident in the results.

~Thurgood Marshall

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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

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In general, I am not a fan of Thurgood Marshall. In fact, I disagree with part of the statement I quoted, if I understand it correctly. He seems to imply that there can be no such thing as misunderstanding another person's intent -- what a dangerous assumption/conclusion. Perhaps his use of the word "always" is too all-encompassing for me.

However, his first three sentences are the ones I am truly pondering. What he suggests could account for those times in which it is difficult to pinpoint why a particular interchange of words leaves one feeling troubled without apparent explanation. Without proof, so to speak.

His concluding call to "examine the reasons of our true intent" is certainly a worthy one -- self-examination under the prompting and guidance of the Holy Spirit. No fear there. My Comforter has my heart safely in His care.

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Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.
~Psalm 139: 23, 24

~End Quote