WATCH THAT MOUTH!!!!

How many of us  haven't uttered something once at least that we wished we could retract? Once the mouth opens the words are 'out there' and can not be erased. Our mouth can be used for good or for evil. Even well meaning Christians may get caught up in a judging, condemning, or gossip trap and think nothing at all wrong with it. Do you really think the Lord is pleased when we say 'so and so' makes you sick or you do not like them? We are to try to get along and love all people. Even the so called 'creeps' who make fun of Christians are to be loved. What right do we have condemning and fault finding? Let offenses go. Release jealously as well as it can cause bad comments. When you say you can not stand someone or the way they look that is hateful and judgmental. After all, God is the creator of all things so if you make a comment that someone is ugly you are basically condemning God's handiwork.

The Bible speaks about not wishing  ill on enemies and praying for them. It is hard to hate and belittle someone when praying for them. This means ex spouses, friends who have hurt you, a boss or co worker, government officials who act like dictators, perhaps a vindictive neighbor, maybe a rude store clerk or telemarketer who has interrupted your supper.Try to let your speech and conduct be like Jesus. Feed your mind positive things from God's word and there is little room to put hateful thoughts in your brain. Colossians 4:6 says "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Both 1 John 2:9 and 1 John 4:20 talk about 'hating' your brother. Brother meaning not just your family but a total stranger. The first verse here referred to says "Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother the truth is not in him." The second scripture reference says "If anyone says he loves God yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother who he has seen, how can he love God who he has not seen?"  Matthew 5:44 tells us to "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Proverbs 24:17 is pretty straight forward when it says "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice."

Do you have a critical spirit or know someone who does? The saying goes "If you can not say something good do not say anything at all." If you are tempted to put someone down, say something ugly, or make fun of a person stop yourself and ask if Jesus would be pleased. Ask God to transform your speech to please him.

PRAYER:Lord Jesus I often say some things I later regret or catch myself maybe being critical of someone. Help me Lord to try to pray for those who are unlovable or hurtful. You do not want us to show hatred or return evil for evil. Lord give me a pure heart and let my speech bring glory to you. In Jesus Na