Speech Check

Moments of anger, disappointment, and frustration are real times of temptation for us to speak dishonourably.  It is so easy to think and speak in ugly ways in reaction to what someone has said or done. 

The behaviour of others is not the determining factor for our words.  Today we are reminded:

For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  Matthew 12:34

Too many times negative, angry words or complaining, cursing, even condemning words comes off our lips in moments of stress and worry.  These are so not the right response.

And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 

James 3:10

Forgive us God for how we allow such things to become a part of our own speaking and thinking.  Clean us up.  Refresh our minds and mouths.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.

Proverbs 16:28, 17:5

We ask Your forgiveness for the times we have dishonoured others by judging them and even gossiping about them.  Help us to recognize our own error in condemning others and then doubling the problem by speaking of it negatively to others. 

Only You, Lord are the all-wise, righteous, and merciful judge. We are grateful that You showed us compassion and mercy when our own character defects were revealed. 

Help us to be patient and merciful towards others when we see character defects in them.  We praise You Lord that You are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  Change our heart, Lord and help us be to be like You. 

The Lord is merciful and compassionate,    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

Psalm 145:8

We want to be people who bless and encourage, who speak the truth with love.  Help us to be gracious as You’ve been gracious to us.  Help us to always honour you and honour others in our speaking.  

It’s a tough challenge but we believe You are able to do in us even more than we can ask or imagine.  We surrender our thinking and our speaking to You.  Use us for Your glory.  Amen

Let’s set a guard on our lips so we encourage others rather than knock them down.