At one time or another we have all said something that as soon as the last word crossed our lips we knew we shouldn’t have said it we wanted to reel them back in. We say things out of pain and anger that we don’t mean, or do we? I have heard it said that what is said in those emotional states is closer to our true thoughts and feelings because the filter that is the mind is bypassed. To give some support to that idea take a look at Luke 6:45.
“ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
What I get from the above is that whether an individual is of a good heart or an evil one it is revealed and expressed in the words that they say,
The following passages go even further to show us just how powerful the tongue and the words that we say are.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
[1] A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
[4] A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit. Proverbs 15:1,4
Here again, simply put – each word we speak has the power to give lIfe or take it,
Look specifically at the last verse of each of the above. To summarize, out words have the power to bring hope, encouragement and life, or to crush another’s spirit, and take their hope and joy. In addition, we get back what we give out. If our words or negative and hurtful then that is what we will get back from other.
My friends, brothers and sisters, I am as guilty as anyone of speaking death and not life, of planting seeds of hurt and anger rather than joy and peace. I pray that we lean into the goodness and love of the Lord. We need to humbly seek is grace and forgiveness for our evil tongue and ask Him to put His words in our mouths.
Let us not be easily angered and offended. When we are, let us be wise in how we respond so we plant “good” seed and eat “good” fruit.
Please take a moment to consider what you have said lately. What do they reveal about the condition of your heart?
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