“Good people think before they answer. Evil people have a quick reply, but it causes trouble.”
Memory verse: “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” James 1:26
How many times have you heard the statement “Think before you act“? Probably as much as you’ve heard the word “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” but how often do we really practice this? Most times you find people who are so eager to contribute to conversations actually don’t think about the words before saying them but the bible text today makes it clear that such people’s words only causes nothing but trouble.
Freedom of speech is one of the distinguishing gifts of man. Our words are so powerful they have the ability to change our world completely. It is by words we communicate our thoughts to one another, express ourselves, improve our learning, do business, develop knowledge and build our community. In addition to this, we do a host of other things through words hence they have to be seasoned and every done to ensure they bless, become productive and not cause trouble.
We have been blessed with the privilege of choosing exactly what proceeds from our mouths but we need to be careful and search our hearts properly on what truly motivates our words. Is it anger or truth, hatred or love, folly or wisdom?
You have the personal responsibility to filter your words before you speak them and even think deeply on how your words will impact people’s heart. How will you feel if someone spoke to you or of you the same way you speak to others? Do you think it will be a good feeling or a sour one? There is a common saying which goes “Treat others how you will like to be treated ” and this definitely includes how you speak to others.
Before you say your words, think about this, is it necessary? Is it true? Does it bring Glory to God or is it to glory in yourself? Does it add any inch of value to you?
Remember our children have a high probability of turning out just like us, we are to say our hearts in kindness and express compassion so that our words will minister to people’s heart and their souls will be won for Christ.
I encourage us from today, to have a good heart and let that which flows out of it through our words be seasoned with grace and salt which adds savor rather than destroy and offend. Through our words we build and create likewise we can destroy through it.
God will help us to be builders rather than destroyers in Jesus name, Amen.
PRAYERS:
- Father I thank you for a wonderful word of grace
- Let my word give life, heal lives and be a blessing to others rather than destroy
- Help me to season my words Lord and make me a good example unto others
- Forgive me of my shortcomings o Lord and help me to live above sin
- Receive my sacrifice of praise for in Jesus mighty name I pray, AMEN.
