"He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin." Proverbs 13:3 Who hasn't been on the giving AND receiving end of this verse? Why do we struggle with this so much? Why do we tear each other down? Do you guard your lips? Do you build up or tear down? I know I've been hurt by words. I know I've used my words to hurt. I know there is power in words. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words...they break the heart.
As I've said before this is a page from my journal. I'm speaking from experience. I know what it is like to be on both sides of this fence. We all do. It is a constant battle within ourselves, but the bible is clear...."everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19 I'm not going to lie, I'm no where close to perfecting this one! What a struggle! My prayer is that I will learn to "love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me" Matthew 5:44 instead of being quick to speak and become angry.
Our hope is that our Father is faithful to change us. "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 He wants us to see the good in others. In Philippians 4:8-9 we are called to focus on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
That is my hearts desire that I can focus on the true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and the admirable. My prayer is that I can start to see people through the eyes of Christ. That He will change my heart...that He will change my lips. We never know what someone is going through. When our words will make or break someones day. Let's use our lips to build Christ's kingdom, not tear it down!
Again my prayer is that" the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Again my prayer is that" the words of my mouth and the mediations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Until next time...
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Our world is a world of struggles. The earth struggles to make another orbit. The planted seed struggles to germinate and break the soil. The little bird in the nest exerts itself to fly. The baby strives to walk. Since that first step we have faced a thousand challenges, and the struggle goes on and on; and that's all right, for we were made for it. There is nothing to fear though the struggle is strenuous.
We don't mount the mountain peak with one step. It's a long, laborious effort that requires application, planning, pursuit and perseverance. And the effort to go higher and higher develps character and gives satisfaction with every step. So let us climb, striving for more than bread.. for our ideals and a life in Christ!
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