Will the Lord condemn even evil words and thoughts?

Even words and thoughts are manifestations of the “inner man.” Those who are joined to Christ and are truly “in Christ” produce the thoughts, words, and actions that correspond to their new nature: “As the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within the one who believes in me” (Joh 7:38). St James explains: “Does a spring pour forth fresh and salty water from the same opening? My brethren, can a fig tree produce olives, or can a vine produce figs?” (Jas 3:11–12).

For this reason, faith in Jesus Christ which brings about our union with Christ in the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from what is revealed about us in our manner of living (Jas 2:17–18). Therefore, the Lord will expose and condemn every form of evil, unless forgiveness of sins has been received through repentance, faith, and amendment of life: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so that he will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1Jo 1:9; see Q579).