WATCHWORD:
Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise. Proverbs 12:18. The Message
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. NIV
Meditation:
Harsh Words
This thought came to me one morning and I jotted it down: “Harsh words come from unsettled minds.” I pondered on that word “unsettled”, trying to sort it out. I think our minds become unsettled when we are under stress, or we’re in cross purposes with a loved one, or when disappointment has sucked the joy out of our day. Or perhaps our minds have become unsettled as a result of words we have spoken in anger.
James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers (and others), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Ah, if only we could, indeed, take note of that and embed it in whatever controls our impulses, we would be blessed and so would those with whom we interact. If only…
We know that words have such great power to hurt or to bless. To comfort or to ignite. To damage or to heal. Think of the power there — to bless and to comfort and to heal. Do not under estimate this. And handling this enormous power requires more then we can muster, so we need a mighty power to help us. What we need is at hand.
I don’t know what you think about the Holy Spirit dwelling within you, but, be aware, it is all the help you need. In a Jesus Calling earlier this year, Jesus tells us, “Ask My Spirit to help you whenever you speak. I have trained you to pray – “Help me, Holy Spirit”—before answering the phone, and you have seen the benefits of this discipline. Simply apply the same discipline to communicating with people around you. If they are silent, pray before speaking to them. If they are talking, pray before responding. These are split-second prayers, but they put you in touch with My Presence.”
I believe that we are not fully aware how our own words can undermine our peace of mind, often in small but destructive, ways. Our own words can undermine relationships in subtle, yet far-reaching ways. If we develop the habit of pausing in our communication with others, to call upon the Holy Spirit, I believe we would be absolutely amazed at what that does to our daily joy, and to calm our unsettled minds.
I think I must work on this, with the help of the Holy Spirit. Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with calm, and kindle in me the fire of Your love. Care to join me? Amen.
Bulletin Board:
God tells us in His Word that the tongue has incredible power. We can use our tongue to bring blessings and life or curses and death. The saying “sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me” is simply not true. Our tongues can be the most difficult thing to control and leave us with great regret if we use our words to hurt. But, there is hope! The Bible tells us that with the help of the Holy Spirit we can have power and control over our tongue. Read, again, the Bible passages included, and know that words can heal and convey God’s peace.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, I know that too often my tongue gets ahead of my heart and mind. I am quick to speak and I repent of the many thoughtless things that I have had uttered. I am sorry for words that I have spoken in anger, or hurtful gossip that I helped to spread, unthinkingly. Please help me during those times when I am tempted to speak without thinking. Help me to be slow to speak, and when I do help me form those words that build up and express love and calmness, joy, peace and self-control. You, Lord, are my Savior, and it is in your name that I offer this prayer. Amen.
