Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb.

Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person.  And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true:  you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you can’t put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never undo the impact words have, after they’ve been heard.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Since those two occasions, I have become “wise.”    When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts comes to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak.

Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again.  Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted.  Let me honor You with my words.  Amen

Proverbs 10:19 

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb.

Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person.  And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true:  you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never undo the impact of words after they’ve been heard.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

Since those two occasions, I have become “wise.”    When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak.

Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again.  Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted.  Let me honor You with my words.  Amen

Proverbs 10:19 ESV

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb. Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person. And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never take those words back, or undo their hearing.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Since those two occasions, I have become ‘wise’.   When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak. Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again. Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted. Let me honor You with my words. Amen

Proverbs 10:19

Feb 28 Words can hurt

“When words are many, sin is not absent…”

O Lord, twice I have learned the truth of today’s Proverb. Twice I have given full vent to my anger, spewing words at another person. And both times the eruptions have caused me much grief.

Even though I felt completely justified at the time for the hurt they had caused in my life or my child’s; the damage to the relationships and the way I felt afterwards was not worth the momentary release of anger and frustration.

The examples I have heard about words spoken are so true: you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube – you cant put all the feathers back in the pillow, you can’t un-break an egg… because you can never take those words back, or undo their hearing.

“…but he who holds his tongue is wise.” Since those two occasions, I have become ‘wise’.   When the anger builds up and the words are on the tip of my tongue, the memory of those two outbursts come to mind immediately, and I am able to hold my tongue and think before I speak. Thank You for imprinting them so indelibly on my memory to keep me from sinning in this fashion again. Thank You for teaching me that these words which so easily roll off my tongue are not the godly way to handle situations.

Keep this lesson in the forefront of my mind so that my witness will not be wasted. Let me honor You with my words. Amen

Proverbs 10:19

 

Jan 13 I am Your child

Lord God, thank You that You are my heavenly Father. Thank You that You love me as Your child. And thank You that in that very love You make godly correction to my path when I stray from You.

I have such a negative impression of ‘discipline’ because it has come to be identified with punishment or abuse of power. On earth this is often true. But when You, my heavenly Father discipline me, it is to correct, teach, encourage me to be on the path of becoming more like You – a ‘disciple’ of You.

That does not mean that the lessons are easy to learn, or that I enjoy it, or even that I catch on right away. As a child often does not understand when a parent insists on behavior issues that provide for safety, like running out into the street, so I may not see the benefit of Your instruction right away. Sometimes Your discipline feels like a step backward, or a delay in what I perceive to be the right way. Help me stop and ask for Your perspective when I don’t understand something. Help me see from Your viewpoint; what is happening, and how I should respond.

I do desire to be seen as a disciple of Almighty God, Jesus Christ, the Holy One. And I’m the first to admit that my life does not look like that now. So I welcome Your instruction, Your course corrections, Your rebuke, and Your discipline. Help me learn quickly when You have something to tell me or teach me. Help me be willing to change direction when I am going the wrong way. I know that You delight in me and love me. And that You discipline those You love. Help me embrace that love. Amen

Proverbs 3:11-12