THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK
13th Dec 2017
How often do we speak without thinking? Once a word is spoken it can never be recalled. It is therefore important to be careful what we say and how we say it. Jesus said, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) Wow! That is a challenge.
We are approaching Christmas, and as families and friends gather together to celebrate the Birth of Jesus, it is so easy to speak without thinking and to spread discord and unkindness, when this is the time that our words should encourage and complement those who have provided delicious meals and put such thought into the gifts that they given.
Jesus said, “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” (Matthew 12:36) So our words are not just bland and meaningless, one day we will have to explain why we said what we said.
In James 3:9-10 it says, “With our tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My Brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
So as we are among those we love, let us take the words of 1 Corinthians 13, the chapter that focuses on love, and make sure that we speak patiently, our words are kind, they are not rude, self-seeking or angry. Let our words be true, let them be protective of those we love, let them speak hope and affirmation.
I was visiting a pastor, and as I was driving my car and on my way, God spoke and asked me what I wanted to accomplish. My reply was that I wanted to leave this pastor better than I found him, I wanted to encourage and build him up. Let that be the effect we have on everyone during this festive season.
by Charles Sibthorpe
