When someone asks, “You want a piece of me?”, it implies a willingness to fight. It is the making of a challenge! Perhaps it parallels the idea of “put up or shut up.” And if a fight is not really wanted, the desire might be to at least intimidate another into backing down.
Though we are hopefully not as confrontational as that, what is it we do try to give others a piece of? Are we eager to give others a “piece of our mind”; getting them told what we think they deserve? Or are we more desirous of giving others a piece of our heart; speaking what is needed in a manner that is gracious and loving? However, even when giving others a piece of our heart we need to give due consideration to our heart’s character.
Let us take to heart the instruction of Jesus where we read. . .
“(43) For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, (44) for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. (45) The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:43-45 ESV)
Perhaps some who give others a piece of their mind do so from an evil heart. The quality of fruit is determined by the character within. If we are storing up what is good within our heart and so draw from it to speak what is good and beneficial, we will be giving a piece of our heart in a proper way. Our words can be treasured by others when they are drawn from a godly treasure within us. This is the fruit of which we ought to desire to be known.
Writing to Christians at Colossae, Paul urged. . .
“(6) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 ESV)
May God create in us a clean and gracious heart so that whether it be our actions or words, others will receive a piece of a godly heart!
Have a great day POSSESSING A HEART OTHERS WOULD LOVE A PIECE OF!
Carl
