Our Words
But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. We use it to give thanks to our Lord and father, and also to curse our fellow man, who is created in the likeness of God. Words of Thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My brothers this should not happen!* -James 3:8-11
I was fortunate in High School to have the same English teacher during my 9th and 11th grade classes. She was a wonderful inspiration to me. The first paper I handed in to her was returned all marked up with red pen! She said she saw potential in me and very gently and poignantly corrected and explained the power of my words and the impact that they could have on others.
In college, my English professor said something I’ve never forgotten. “Communication is 99.9% Perception.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m a born extrovert. With that comes the ability to use a lot more words than my introverted friends.
Regardless of whether our words are many or few, they are a window into our heart. If our hearts are in disarray, whatever we say to others will reveal its condition and that’s a scary thought. How often have we regretted words we wish we never said, let alone thought?
But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these are the things that make a person ritually unclean.* -Matthew 15:18
How do we speak to family and friends? How does what we say reveal the condition of our hearts?
Countless times I confess my words and end up down on my knees asking God to forgive me – and yet, even though I know he does, it still leaves me feeling the sting and regret I may have caused.
We can’t loose sight of who God is. He is with us always, whether we are speaking or listening.
So even though we all have “sinful” tongues, he will continue to love us and forgive us each time we ask.
Thank you Jesus that you are ever present with us.
I’m reminded of what it says in Psalm 32:5, “Then I confessed my sins to you; I did not conceal my wrongdoings. I decided to confess them to you and you forgave all my sins.” *
Suggested reading: James Chapter 3.
*All scripture taken from the Good News Bible
Jane Benditt
©
June 2024