I could say the same things if you were in my place.
I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
But if it were me, I would encourage you.
I would try to take away your grief.
I would try to take away your grief.
I can treat others like they treat me or I can choose a different path. I can choose to encourage and apply myself to help others; despite what they do to me. I can build on the grace given me by others or I can begin to lay a foundation of grace - I don't have to be ugly, to return skin for skin, to be a hater.
Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.
My words must be wholesome and edifying, need-meeting, grace-bearing.
Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
Only the Lord can give me the proper response for any occasion and any person. His words will build up, meet needs and encourage while giving grace to any who may hear.
Lord, I yield my tongue to you. Please give the answer of my tongue, help me to be useful in bringing relief to others, let my words (and body language and emails ... any communication) give grace to all who may hear them. I will only bring trouble on my own.
Such true words, we all need to pray that prayer -that all our words bring glory to Him and in no way impair anyone else from the path God leads them. Amen my friend.
ReplyDeleteThe problem with words bringing glory is that I often want to bring me glory rather than God. I must keep Him first in my priorities and my heart; thankfully, He helps me do that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words, Miawa. Your comment that we not "impair anyone else" from the God-path is right-on. What a good way to think about it.