Living Free - November 18, 2011
Weigh Your Words
Today's Scripture
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Words; They can encourage or tear down. They can honor or humiliate. They can calm or stir up anger. James says this about the tongue: "Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!" (James 3:9-10 NLT).
Learn to weigh your words. Guard your tongue and speech. The tongue can be a weapon of anger or an agent of blessing.
Consider this…
Practice the art of listening. "Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry" James 1:19 NLT.
Listen to yourself talk. Are you negative and self-pitying? Are you critical of others and yourself? Do you speak before you think . . . and then wish you could take the words back? Do you speak harshly, and stir up anger?
Let God help you learn to control your tongue. Learn to use slow, kind, and soft speech, even silence, to calm you and others. To prevent anger from controlling you.
Lord, forgive me for the many times I have spoken before thinking. The times my tongue has been a weapon of anger instead of an agent of blessing. Teach me to weigh my words . . . and to listen. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Anger: Our Master or Our Servantby Larry Heath. This study offers a clear explanation of anger, what causes it, and how to recognize when you are sinning with anger. It not only ministers to church members, but serves as a powerful evangelistic tool. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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