Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who live it will eat it's fruit".
Wow, I am ashamed to say I have killed many over my lifetime. Just riding in the car down Independence Blvd. some days I get at least 5 or 6 people.
Really, we have no idea that what we say can either change the life of a person or destroy them.
Just compare it to Jesus, most of his miracles happend because He spoke them into existance. That's some Power...
Pastor Troy is preaching GOOOOOD. This Sunday again I felt like he hit me right up side the head.
Growing up my mother and grandfather were very verbally abusive. From the earliest age all I ever knew was if you wanted the upper hand just say something mean. Obviously since I became a Christian God fix that but every now and then that OLD self comes out.
Pastor Troy gave us some points on what out tongue shows;
It shows Maturity. - How mature are you when you're mad?
It directs our life. - Are you speaking what you want to see happen in your life or what you see now?
It can destroy what I have. - Are your words changing your path?
It displays who I AM.. - Does your words show Jesus to EVERYONE, even the mean lady at the Walmart?
Stop and think, is what you say, Who you are all the time or just when you want to look Holy...?
We can control our tongue by changing our heart, thinking before we speak and filling our mind with God's word. Easier SAID than done some times.
From the earliest age of a child we say things to people/kids that to us meant nothing . To them it means everything.
Some examples,
"Stop that, You are getting on my nerves"
"Go away, I don't have time for you right now"
"You're a slob"
"Yea that's good, BUT..."
"I'm sorry honey, but mommy's just too tired"
"I'm busy, leave me alone"
"I'm.... _____________ - You fill in the blank...
Being an abused child all my life I now try hard to pay attention to what I say to my children. You would think I would never say something that is going to make them feel like I felt. Wrong...
Examine what you are saying to your children, your husband, your friends. Are you really saying to them you love them or you love them when it's convenient to you, and right now it's just not?
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips" Psalms 141:3
We are all guilty in some manner of saying things we should so just remember that your tongue is a two edged sord, it cuts going in thier ears and coming out.
I've done some cutting lately with my teenager, pray my new words will heal that wound.
God Bless,
Angie