MOUTH PROBLEM?

Do you have a "mouth problem"? In other words do you ever gossip, complain, share a confidence, argue, belittle, strike back verbally, brag, interrupt people, lie, judge others, curse, condemn, have angry outbursts, or call people names?  Those are just a few of the afflictions of the mouth. What is a person to do in order to gain control of their mouth? That "24 Hour Rule" I wrote about previously is one helpful way. Let's say you are mad or hurt and just want to tell someone off. If you pray first then ask God for strength to not spout off your anger may subside. The next day you may not feel the same way.

Ephesians 4:26(NIV) is a good verse for married couples or anyone for that matter. It says 'In your anger do not sin and do not let the sun go down on your anger.' Remember the real enemy that causes strife is Satan, not the person, as Satan is in the job of dividing not uniting. Do all you can to make peace before your head hits the pillow at night even if the other party refuses to. Give up "your right" to be mad. It may take some practice. 

Another superb verse taken from the same chapter of Ephesians verse number 29 says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth but only what is helpful in building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.'  Do the things that come out of your mouth benefit others or tear them down? Just something to think about.

Oh yes and then there is lying, even a "white lie" or "half truth". In my childhood I remember hearing people say "Liar liar pants on fire."  And who could forget Pinocchio, the Disney cartoon character, whose nose grew each time he lied. I am glad that does not really happen or there would be many long noses out there. Lies are never hidden from God that is why it says in

Proverbs 6:17(KJV) in referring to things God hates 'A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.'

I challenge you to do a word search in the Bible about the mouth, your words, and the tongue. There is so much out there in Proverbs and James especially you will stay busy looking them up. 

Do you best, with God's help, to be alert to what you say with your mouth. Ask God to help you and to reveal areas to you that maybe you were not aware of. Now go into the world around you and let your mouth make someone days perhaps by a word of kindness.

PRAYER: Forgive me Father when I have not been careful with my words either directly or through email or a letter. I choose Lord to be careful and alert to when my mouth starts to get me into trouble. I need your help Lord to get control. In Jesus' name. Amen.