How many times have I said, "I'm sorry, I didn't really mean it!" I don't know. But, my words do matter. We can say, "I am sorry" and we should ask for forgiveness when we say things and hurt others, or lie, or.....
But, we should really get a hold on our tongue so that we don't have to go around trying to undo wrongfully spoken words. I was once hurt by a very close friend and the words they spoke stabbed deeply. Now the friend returned and apologized for their anger but the words continue to echo in my mind. While we have a great relationship, I find myself wondering if they really did mean what they said, even though they retracted the statement. Words have an impact!
The book of James is a great guide for the use of the tongue. I have come to realize that if I don't say it, I won't have to retract it.
I is vital to think before we speak! Words do matter!
God bless you,
PJ
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Words hurt or encourage. I often react to others based on the words they say to me but am I interpreting them correctly? I must balance my sensitivity with common sense and not react until proper time has been given for evaluation and interpretation. In all probability, a negative reaction is not necessary at all. Over the past few years, I have been trying, with God's help and direction, to be careful what I say to others so that they feel uplifted by what I say. I often hear critical words spoken about others and it leaves me with a negative feeling. This day and age of email and texting has removed facial expression, emotion, and body language from our daily communication and misinterpreting words is very easy. God has been helping me to contain my words, but I still struggle in this area. I want to leave people with a good feeling when I talk to them. Father, help me by your Spirit, to say what you would want me to say in every situation.
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