2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 28 GW; Proverbs 13 GW
Speak intentionally.
Control what comes out of your mouth. Don’t say every thought that comes into your head. Assess your situation. Remember, we’re to do all things in love:
“Do everything with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:14 GW)
Talking is included in “everything.” The words from our mouths are to encourage and uplift, not tear down. When we speak out of turn, emotionally or without thinking, we will find ruin. Even if what you’re talking about is true, it does no good if not said in love.
When you’re passionate about a topic, it’s hard not to become a big mouth. Forcing your opinion on people does nothing to sway them. If your heart isn’t right, your words aren’t either:
“But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you.” (Matthew 15:18 NLT)
Heart check first.
Before you speak, check your heart. Ask yourself questions. Are the emotions you’re expressing filled with love or hate? Is frustration more evident than patience? Does engaging in this conversation further God’s kingdom or tear it down?
Recently, while browsing Facebook, I came across a political post. The facts were incorrect and not telling the entire story. Furiously, I began to type a response. Then I stopped myself. I realized I was already angry. Immediately I deleted my words before posting. If I can’t engage in a conversation with love, I’m not going to engage in the conversation at all. As my mother always said, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.” Doing a heart check before posting protected me from entering into a weak argument.
You can delete words from a post, but not the ones that come from your mouth. Once said, you can’t get them back.
Protect yourself by controlling your mouth. Check your heart for correct motives; don’t become a big mouth. Speak everything in love.
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Lord, how grateful we are You are our ultimate protector. Even in our worst moments, You can bring good. Forgive us for forcing our opinions on others. Help us to think before we speak. Align our hearts with Yours, so we talk love, not hate. Today, as life’s pressures surround us, don’t let us lose sight of You. Help us honor and glorify You in everything we do. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
When have you been a big mouth?
