Watch What You Say

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

Your speech reflects the kind of person you are and is also an indicator of what your store up in your heart. If you are around positive cheerful people you will probably tend to be more like that. But if you hang out with those who swear and are angry it may eventually come back to haunt you in the form of ugliness spewing forth from your mouth.

The Bible is filled with scripture on speech, words, the tongue and our mouth. It is critical for a person who claims to know Jesus to be careful of what comes out of their mouth. You've heard the saying "If you can't say anything good then don't say anything at all?" There is much truth in that. 

Today why not be kind with your words even when someone may not deserve it or be kind to you. Let your speech reflect the character of Christ inside of you. 

PRAYER: It is so easy if angry to say something we may regret later. Loose misspoken words can deeply wound another individual and destroy relationships. Help me always think before I speak, text, or email. In Jesus' name. Amen.

This Means You!

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. James 4:11

Do any of these scenarios describe you? Gossiping about someone to include an "innocent" sharing prayer request. Maybe speaking unkindly of in-laws or other family members.  Neighbors bothering you and you chatter away about it. Co workers are irritating the heck out of you and you continue to jabber on. Forming opinions of others without knowing their situation. Treating certain people better than others. Being rude to telemarketers. 

When you claim to be a Christian it entails a huge responsibility and that is trying to act like one when people are looking or when they are not. You may be the only Christian in your office for instance so then you should be kind and set a good example. If you have a hard time dealing with certain personalities then pray about it and pray for them regardless. We never know what people are going through or have been through that makes the way they are.

Try the best you can to not allow any unwholesome word come from your mouth. (See Ephesians 4:29). Sometimes God has us certain places for a reason. Ask Him what he wants you to learn and ask Him to use you just where you are.

PRAYER: You have a plan for my life Lord. I am not perfect so forgive me when I put others down and don't show love. Help me be more Christlike. In Jesus' name.Amen.

Shhhh!

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies. Psalm 34:13

How many readers would say they think they have a trouble controlling their mouth? This could be as simple as lying, yes even white lies, or gossip? Our mouths can get us into major trouble and even wreck relationships if we are not careful. It is essential to think before we engage our mouths and speak. Wanting to share  opinions sometimes is unnecessary and indeed can backfire. The less said the better is often the key. 

Let's say you are in a room with Jesus and someone is arguing with Him. Do you suppose He would continue on? First of all, He would not be verbally battling someone. We as His  followers are to set an example in words and deeds. Often it is easy to let situations make us get upset or even something someone has said to hurt us. Best to overlook an offense and be at peace than to try to start a war of words. 

Try something if you will. Make a list of people you feel angry at and ask God to help your speech and thoughts towards them be kind and pure. 

PRAYER: Today and every day Lord help me live a life pleasing to you in the things that I say and do. In Jesus' name. Amen.

TAMING THE TONGUE, PART 100

Misunderstandings often occur in life as a result of words spoken at the wrong time or misunderstood. Perhaps words are said that would have been left best unspoken. Indeed the tongue is "full of poison" like it says in James Chapter 3. Maybe you do not have a problem in this area but take a moment and read it anyway.

Words can make us or break us. All of life basically proceeds out of the mouth. The tongue can cause problems if it lies, talks back, meddles, gossips, betrays, hurts, or speaks out in anger. The mouth we have should be used to bless, not curse. It should praise, not condemn. It should speak truth, not lies.

A couple of the fruits of the spirit(Galatians 5:22-23) come into play in controlling the tongue and they are patience and self control. Patience, to think and wait before you speak and self control, in discipline of your thoughts and mouth.

Psalm 19:14(KJV) is a good verse to end with. It simply says "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.'

PRAYER: Father God it is my desire to please you in all areas of life. The tongue is one of the hardest things to tame. It is so easy to speak without thinking of how it will affect people. Forgive me when I have hurt someone and help me forgive others who have hurt me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WHOA! WATCH THAT MOUTH.

In the book of James Chapter 3:8(NIV) it says 'but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil full of deadly poison.'  The entire chapter of James 3 deals with problems with the tongue or basically the mouth and what we say. 

I have dealt with this many times previously in my writings because indeed it is hard to tame the tongue. We say something and then go "why did I say that? I could kick myself."  Tongue control requires much discipline. You may think you are just fine. You do not cuss, lie, gossip, and think you pretty much have it under control. But do you really? What about talking about people innocently such as commenting on someone's appearance maybe saying they are too fat, you don't like their hair, or the clothes they have are ugly? Who are we to judge anyway? 

Ephesians 4:29(NIV) is an excellent verse to memorize. It says '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.'  Talking bad about others does not solve anything and only has you standing in judgment over one of God's creatures. That is something we need not do. If this is your weakness just remember the saying "if you do not have anything good to say then don't say anything at all."

PRAYER: If I am not careful Lord I can find myself being critical of another. I know deep down this is not right. You did not create my mouth to criticize others with but you created it to praise you and encourage others and show love. Help me Lord as I choose good words to build up and help me not murmur about others. In Jesus' name. Amen.