Always speaking with grace sounds simple.
But…
Sometimes, I just don’t know what to say.
Other times, I really wish I’d remained silent.
Once spoken, one can’t retrieve those words.
Since childhood, I’ve found my mouth getting me into trouble.
Talking comes so much more naturally than being silent.
To make matters worse, if I’m nervous I normally talk more.
Not a positive trait.
Because more words means more opportunities to say something I shouldn’t.
As with all things, scripture is my go to for this area of struggle.
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6 NKJV
Always speak words of grace, seasoned with salt.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 NKJV
Nothing which is spoken should poison or harm, instead words should be healing truth filled with love and grace.
Psalm 19:14 KJV — Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
The words spoken and the thoughts focused on are directly linked and need to be under the Lordship of Christ.
I have prayed these verses in my desire to speak only uplifting and encouraging words.
For wrestling with my untamable tongue continues.
It’s also a lesson I’m trying to teach.
I’ve asked more than once, “Was that kind?”
Colossians 3:12 NKJV — Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
How we speak, act, think, and respond should all be within the boundaries of protection the Lord set up in His Word.
If I’m allowing unkind speech out of my mouth, what are the thoughts of my heart?
Matthew 12:34 KJV — O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. (emphasis mine)
Therefore my speech is a mirror of my heart’s condition.
Of course, I’m powerless to train myself at all, only through the Lord Jesus and His guidance can my actions and attitudes change.
How encouraging to look backwards and see He has brought me so far from where I used to be.
How thankful I am for His patient instruction.
Conviction really is a blessing.
Thus, I’m praising God for His Word, His patient correction, and His love.
I’m also continuing to lift up my struggles in prayer.
Psalm 141:3 NKJV — Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word and Your guidance. I desperately want to sow good things in life and I know this area of words is a vital part. Please Lord, set a guard over my mouth, and a door upon my lips that I might not sin. Lord Jesus, cleanse my heart and renew my mind, that I might be able to walk in Your ways, being led by Your Spirit. Lord Jesus, I want to live in such a way as to redeem the time, please teach me daily how to do so. Thank You. I love You, Jesus.
patientlyhopeful 