BE DILIGENT ABOUT WATCHING YOUR WORDS

BIBLE PASSAGE(S):
The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
(Proverbs 12:18)

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak
and slow to become angry.
(James 1:19)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,
but only what is helpful for building others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
(Ephesians 4:29)

MEDITATION:
Words have an amazing power to either bless, or to wound others.
When we speak carelessly or negatively, we damage others as well as ourselves.
Our joy is decreased whenever we say hurtful, or discouraging words to others.
The use of abusive words will never increase our joy, and in fact, we can
have a negative effect on our own self-esteem (especially if we belong to Christ).

This ability to verbalize is an awesome privilege,
and it was granted only to those God created in His image.
We need help in using this mighty power responsibly.
The world can teach us how to use it wrongly,
but the Lord can teach us how to use it correctly (if only we would ask Him).

As an example, have you ever noticed territorial pew ownership in the church?
People will carelessly say, “You are in my seat”.
Think about how this impacts the person sitting there
(and especially if he/she is a visitor).
God teaches us to make adjustments, to get out of our comfort zones, and to
“consider others more important than ourselves” (Philippians 2:3)

The world applauds quick-witted retorts,
but God’s instructions about communication are quite different:
“Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”

Our words tell a lot about our heart, but our actions say even more about our faith.
We should speak verbally, but we should also speak with our actions.
In fact, we can send confusing and conflicting messages
to others whenever our walk does not match our talk.

Let’s be honest, if all we do is tell others about our faith,
but they seldom, or never, see us going to church and
worshiping with other believers, they are going to view us
as hypocrites (which doesn’t point others to God’s Son).
And, if we are frequently at church, but living a sinful life, our actions can
cause a lost person to reject the idea of surrendering their life to the Lord.

ACTION:
Ask God’s Spirit to help you whenever you speak.
He can train you to pray (“Help me Holy Spirit”) before answering
the phone, and you will be able to see the benefits of this discipline.
His desire is for you to apply this same discipline
to communicating with people around you.

If they are silent, pray before speaking to them.
If they are talking, pray before responding.
These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with His Presence.
In this way, your speaking falls under the control of His Spirit.

As positive speech patterns replace your negative ones,
the increase in your joy will amaze you.
Think of words which can encourage, and not discourage, others.
Never forget that God has gifted us with a powerful ability to communicate,
but we must focus on using it in the correct way (in the manner He intended).

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me an ability that is above those
of Your other creations. Forgive me for any misuse of this gift You have
given me. Teach me how to improve the use of my words so that I can
encourage others, and in turn, increase my joy. Help me to support my
words through my actions.”