Guard
Your Words: By Ann Broughton
“Set
guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips”
(Psalm 141: 3 NIV).
Do
the words you speak show others the love of Christ? Words are very
powerful. Spoken cruelly they can ruin reputations, cause hurt,
destroy self-esteem, and cause arguments. Spoken with love, words can
boost self-esteem, bring encouragement, promote a positive mind set,
and fill a person’s soul with peace. Now what kind of words would
you like to speak? What do people think about you because of the
words you speak?
I
love the book of James because it is full of wisdom, especially about
the tongue. James says the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly
poison. (James 3:8) “Out of the same mouth comes praise and
cursing” (James 3: 10 NIV). He is correct. As Christians, we need
to be a witness of Christ with our words. We must choose them wisely
so that our words are not deadly poison to anyone. Think before you
speak and ask yourself, “Would the Lord approve of what I am
saying?” Ask yourself, “If the person I am talking about was
standing right here would I say this?” You cannot take back words.
Once they are spoken they cannot be taken back. It is so important
that you think before you speak. Let your words offer hope, love, and
kindness. If you have hurt someone with your words, tell them you are
sorry. What is very sobering is what Jesus spoke about our words and
judgment. “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the
day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your
words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned”
(Matthew 12:36-37 NIV).
So
this week, think before you speak. The Holy Spirit will help you to
choose words that will be beneficial to others. Remember that you are
Christ’s ambassador in a world that needs His hope and love.
Dear
Lord,
Help
me to speak words that are beneficial to others. Help me to speak
with your wisdom. Help me to be known as a person who speaks words of
encouragement.
In
Jesus’ name,
Amen
