{Quick to listen. Slow to anger.}

"God gave people a mouth that closes and ears that don't, which should tell us something." -Eugene O'Neill

 

   Have you ever said something that you regret? You just got so angry that you spouted something off without even taking a millisecond to think about it. It seems each time we're in this kind of situation, our brain decides to leave for a moment, only to return too late; you've already said something you regret. Then, you wish you could go back and change what you said, but that won't happen. Even though we truly wish we could create a time machine and travel back to change our past, it won't happen. What we can do is change the future by making sure we think before we speak next time.

 

   Before you speak, always think about how those word will affect the other person. How would you feel if someone said the same thing to you? Words are powerful. Angered words can be spoken, and an entire relationship can be destroyed within seconds.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21)

  James said, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," (James 1:19)
  Was he saying we can never get angry? No. Anger is a natural human emotion that we can't help, but we can, however, control it.

Before you speak THINK:

• T- Is it true?
• H- Is it helpful?
• I- Is it inspiring?
• N- Is it necessary?
• K- Is it kind?

There's a song by Hawk Nelson called "Words" that goes right along with what I'm saying. It says:

They've made me feel like a prisoner

They've made me feel set free

They've made me feel like a criminal

Made me feel like a king

 

They've lifted my heart

To places I'd never been

And they've dragged me down

Back to where I began

 

Words can build you up

Words can break you down

Start a fire in your heart or

Put it out

 

Let my words be life

Let my words be truth

I don't wanna say a word

Unless it points the world back to You

 

 Remember to THINK before you speak. Words are a powerful thing. Make sure you use that power for good.

 

Ephesians 4:29 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."

Psalm 19:14 

"May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

{Birdie}