Words are our means of communication. I love the saying God gave us one mouth and two ears so we should listen more than talk. For most women that is challenging–after all we are the great communicators-right? Have you ever stopped and thought about how our words can be smooth stones that take a nine foot giant out (1 Sam. 17) or how they can be a beautifully wrapped gift that gives someone such great encouragment. I have sinned more with my words than anything else. In the book of James it talks about bridling our tongues. Do you have a bridle? I often need it. I just can’t stop myself from expressing my opinion which I feel must be shared. God has recently put it on my heart to be very aware of what I am watching, hearing, and saying. We are to guard our minds in Christ Jesus. In our society today that seems nearly impossible, huh? But we need not forget we are in-dwelt with the Holy Spirit who makes it all possible. It really is about self-control. Listening and being aware of those promptings we ignore especially when emotions are running high. We need to Pause-Pray and then Place words. Sometimes just a momentary pause is all we need to stop ourselves from saying something that a loved one will never forget. We all have had some harsh, unkind words hurled at us that we have never forgotten. Heavy, ugly, and unforgetful words. They are not always from those we love maybe it was a stranger or mere acquaintance. Why can’t we forget how they made us feel? Our words can be sharper than any sword or more powerful than any bullet. I need God to redefine my thoughts so my words will align and be gentle and building up. I do not want to tear down anymore, rather start building beautiful memories into those around me. Not with false flattery but life sustaining words that will encourage and bless. Life is such a journey each one unique and special. I choose to start building life sustaining words into my life and the lives of those around me. God will help me and you because the Bible assures us that if we ask anything in His name according to His will we can claim it. ( 1 John 5:14-15) So come with me on this new journey and change the course of your life and the lives of the generations that may follow us. Build encouraging words into the the fabric of your family that will have lasting effects. I will include several scriptures from my scripture journal that involve our mouths or tongues. The Bible has quite a lot to say about it. Let’s try a simple exercise of: Pause-Pray-Place

Pause–Quick words, all too often, are biting words
Pray–Quote scripture regarding our mouths (memorize a few below)
Place–Quietly place those words into the lives around you

Maybe if we can remember this little 3 word phrase it will start a chain reaction and change our worlds for God’s glory.

Psalm 19:14–May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Psalm 141:3–Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Proverbs 12:18–Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Ecc. 5:2-3, 7–Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares so the speech of a fool when there are many words. Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God.

Luke 6:45–The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.

Ephesians 4:29–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.

Phil. 2:14-15–Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God, without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.

Col. 3:17–And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of The Lord Jesus Christ giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col 4:6–Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

2 Tim. 2:16–Avoid Godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more unGodly.

2 Tim. 2:23-24–Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

Titus 3:2–…to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

James 1:19-20–My dear brothers take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that god desires.

James 1:26–If anyone among you thinks he is religious , and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religious is useless.

James 3:2,5-6,8-10–2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles. 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise The Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, theses things ought not be so.

1 Peter 3:4–….Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1Peter 3:9-11–Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.” He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

Everyday brings challenges but if we start small by maybe remembering once or twice throughout the day eventually it will become a habit. I am asking my eleven year old daughter to help me and challenging her as well. Her three year old brother often tempts her to say things she shouldn’t 😉

Blessings Always, April