By Pastor Izzy, from Courageous Church

Have you ever thought about the kind of treasure you’re storing in your heart? I recently reflected on Matthew 12:35, where Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure in his heart brings forth evil things.” This verse hit me hard. It made me realise that we all hold onto different kinds of treasures—some good, some bad.

The Treasure You Want to Keep

Good treasure is made up of the moments and values that bring joy, growth, and faith. It’s the experiences with family, those special times with God, or the principles we live by. If you’re married, maybe it’s your wedding day. If you’re a parent, it’s those little moments with your kids that you cherish.

These are the things we want to store up in our hearts because they shape us in the best way possible. The Bible tells us that when we have good treasures in our hearts, good things naturally flow from us. But what about the other kind of treasure?

The Treasure You Need to Let Go

Then there’s the bad treasure—the things we hold onto that weigh us down. This could be past offences, hurtful comments, temptations, or even painful experiences. The tough part? Sometimes we store these things away like they’re valuable.

But here’s the truth: We can’t afford to treasure our trauma. Holding onto hurt only allows it to shape our lives in negative ways. I don’t want to end up like Gollum from Lord of the Rings, clutching my pain like it’s my “precious.” And I don’t think you do either.

How Do We Let Go of Bad Treasure?

So, how do we deal with the bad treasure in our hearts? Here are some questions I’ve found helpful:

  1. Can I simply let it go? Some things don’t need to take up space in our hearts. We can choose to release them.
  2. Do I need a trusted friend to help me process this? Talking things through with someone wise can help us make sense of our struggles.
  3. Is this something deeper that requires professional help? Some wounds run deep. Seeking a mental health professional isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.
  4. Should I pray about this? If you’re a person of faith (or even if you’re not), prayer can bring peace and guidance. Some struggles aren’t just emotional; they’re spiritual.

Choose Your Treasure Wisely

The treasures in our hearts shape our lives. When we hold onto good treasures, we bring forth good things. When we cling to the bad, it spills out in ways we don’t expect.

So, let’s take a moment to check what we’re treasuring. Is it bringing life? Or is it holding us back? Whatever it is, we get to choose what stays and what goes. Choose wisely.