Devotionals
The Power of the Tongue and Speech
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
Growing up there was a phrase we often heard when other children said something that upset us. The phrase went, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” As we grow into adults, we realize that wordscan hurt. It can be easy to say that words do not affect us, but deep down, the hurtful things someone says can stick with us and cause us pain. When we realize the power that words truly hold, it can make us more intentional about the words that pass through our lips.
It can be easy to choose the wrong words to say when we are not being intentional with our words. Take time to think about how you need to respond to a situation and pray for God to give you guidance and the right words to use. When we are upset and hurt, we must turn to God to find the answers to dealing with situations. Many times, when we have feelings of anger, it can be hurt that we have deep down in our hearts. Before we lash out at someone else because of our own hurt and pain, remind yourself that the gentle answer is the way God intended us to use our words. When we have Christ in us, we want to ensure we share Him with others, even when we are upset. We can share the good news of Christ by the words we use and how we respond to others, even during challenging times. We must remind ourselves that our words were given to us to worship the Lord.
Scripture
Proverbs 15:1 EVS tells us,“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” It can be easy to use harsh words to those around us in a moment of anger. But even if we apologize after a moment of anger, those words can still linger with the person they were spoken to.In the moments we find ourselves enraged or upset, give yourself a moment to think about the words you are about to say. When we give soft answers, our message can come out clearly. Even if we have a reason to be upset, we don’t want to make a mess out of our message.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to control the words that pass through my lips. Help me to be intentional with the words I say to others, even when my heart is hurt or upset. Let me be patient and choose my words wisely. Please help me to have a pure heart and help me to use grace when I am speaking to others, just as you have given to me. Let the words I use help bring others closer to you, Lord. Thank you for the gift of grace you have given to me. Thank you for your forgiveness and help me to grow closer to you. In your name, I pray, Amen.
Written By: Laura Richter