Zip It

If you have ever been to a sporting event you know how crazy it get with people getting into the game. When everyone first arrives they look relaxed, happy, and excited to watch the game. It doesn't take long though for those emotions to change for some. Whether it was a “Bad call”, “Out” or “Foul” people have no problem expressing how they feel. At times, there is cursing, yelling directed at the players, coaches, or refs about how they are wrong etc. Things can really become heated when someone decides to open their mouth and say whatever they want. It usually causes problems and people feel uncomfortable, even to the point of making them want to leave. Proverbs 21:23 “Whoso keepeth his mouth, and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.” Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” If you think about every word before you say it- it will change your life and those around, you. It's too easy to “Shoot off our mouths” and not mean the hurtful things we say. Take a moment when your angry or hurt and think “How will these words affect others- will it be positive or negative?” The old saying “That sticks, and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” is not true. Words really can hurt someone, and it might be something they will never be able to forget. Remember whatever you say it is done. You can never have that moment back to “undo” what you said. We need to choose every one of our words very carefully and really think before we speak.

Weekly Take Away:

This week think of ways in which you can curb your words better? Ways you can even speak encouragement to others more often. Remember this tip when speaking: Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind?