What I’m memorizing:
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
In the world of good manners, we say, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” I try that sometimes.
What happens? I force myself into total silence. It’s hard, but it’s possible from time to time.
But God goes beyond the world of good manners. And Ephesians 4:29 is so God. So picture-perfect balanced.
Just be silent? Forget it.
We’re not called to passivity.
With God, it’s not enough to say nothing ugly.
Instead, He wants us to say something good. Something helpful. To build others up. In appropriate ways. So those listening receive gifts of love.
It’s not easy being silent.
But it’s even harder to always speak grace.
It’s not easy biting your tongue.
But it’s even harder giving gifts with it.
Do it anyway.
Be a builder with your tongue.
Who can you build up today?
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Are you memorizing scripture this week? Join us at Joanne’s for Memory Monday.
5 comments:
I heard something the other day that I liked. The speaker said that it's important to replace bad habits with good ones, or there is a void for the bad habits to creep back into! Hm, I'll be doing some tongue work at my place!
Great post! I memorized this verse awhile back. It's one that I also pray sometimes.
You've chosen a good scripture for memory, too. I wish everything I said all the time built people up. No small task, huh?
Thanks for the comment you left on my post today. Too often I do look more for a distraction from my problem than for God's strength to handle it.
I have someone in mind...thanks for the reminder!~ Biting my toungue doesn't mean omy heart attitude has changed. Sometimes I need to change my heart attitude!
Stephani,
Well said. The tongue is only the physical part; it's the heart attitude that is the most relevant (and the toughest) to change. No wonder we need the Lord so desperately...
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