How many times have you said something and thought..."I wish that I had not said that." I have been there and done that. Not once, but on numerous occasions. If I am not careful about what I speak, I can cause great harm to someone that I love. The wrong choice of words can destroy a first impression with someone that you meet. Words can't be taken back as easily as some things in life. The hurt that they can cause can last a lifetime. The encouragement they give can last a lifetime as well.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:45) KJV
This verse puts a completely different spin on what I just said. Why did I just say that? What was I thinking? Was I trying to cause harm? Well, was I? It speaks of my motives. More than that, it speaks of my spiritual condition. It starts in the heart. A loving person will naturally say loving things. Cruel people will say....well, you get my meaning. God has called us to be salt and light to a lost and dying world. How will we ever point them to the cross if we do not let God help us choose our words wisely. This is His work, He will help us to say the right things to those in need. He will even help us to be civil to one another, even when we have disagreements over doctrine or protocol. We need to make sure that our motives are based in Christ. We need to fill our hearts with His word and allow ourselves to be used of Him. We need to speak the truth. Sometimes the truth is painful in itself. Some things must be said when forever is at stake. We cannot always say what makes someone feel good just for the sake of making them feel good. Some facts are just downright difficult to hear. However, God will guide you if you are acting in His will. This is not to say that you won't ever make a mistake, but I guarantee the mistakes with words will be far fewer if we allow Him control of our hearts and minds. What is in your heart today?
Father, search my heart today. If there be anything displeasing to you, bring it to the forefront of my mind so I may repent of it and forsake it. I want my heart and tongue to be fully cleansed and used of you. Help me to choose my words wisely as a witness for you. Help me to be kind, but never afraid to speak the truth. I am trusting in you for this, and ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
You're right, words can either build a person up or drag them down. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI think it is always the Lord's will that we try and use our words in an edifying manner. I fall short of this many times. Sometimes I say something I shouldn't. Most of the times, to the ones that I love most. It is something I have to be on constant watch for. Without the Lord's help, I wouldn't be able to do it. Thank you for coming by Laura. May the Lord richly bless you!
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