Zip It

If you have ever been to a sporting event, you know it can get crazy. People can really get in to the game. When everyone first arrives, they are looking relaxed, happy, and excited to watch the game. It does not 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 and yelling directed at the players, coaches, or referees about how they are wrong.

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, “Whosoever 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 speak, 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 you’re angry or hurt and think, “How will these words affect others? Will it be positive or negative?”

The old saying, “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.

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What About You?

1. What situation brings out the worst in regards to how you use your words?

2. Is there anyone in your life right now you need to tell you're sorry for something hurtful you said to them?