Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Gracious Words



"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."
Luke 6:45



Just a dance is a language for others to watch and capture a glimpse of our hearts, so are our words. Luke 6:45 reminds us, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." We live in a country that encourages us to speak freely. For this right, I am grateful. However, God's Word, the Bible, instructs us otherwise. We are to be thoughtful with our words, honoring the Lord with our conversations, comments, and even small talk or chats with friends. Here are some pointers that helped me in my teen years:


1)Girls, don't engage in discussions about another girl in a negative fashion while she is not present. If you have a friend who is stirring up this type of conversation, graciously change the subject. If she has a genuine concern or hurt,encourage your friend to go to the girl directly and discuss the problem. When it comes to gossip, what you say about someone will almost always get back to them eventually.


2)Be an encourager! Your words have the ability to strengthen, heal, and comfort those around you. You don't need to spend money to give some of the greatest gifts to a person you love. Words of encouragement are priceless. Seek out relationships that encourage you as well. Everyone needs encouragement.


3)Times to be silent. There are times when we are to be silent and still. This gives our spiritual ears moments to hear God's voice more clearly. Our opinions don't always need to be heard about everything that comes our way. It is okay to answer at times, "I have not formed an opinion on this." There are times when our best answer or verbal response is the actual word of God. Passing along a scripture to a friend can be as valuable as a thought out opinion or answer. As we direct others to listen to God's voice and trust His word, we can be confident in our advice.


4)Times to express. There are times our words are desperately needed to express how we are truly feeling. As Christians, we are raised to be led by God's Spirit in all we do. However, we are human. The Lord has given us emotions, desires, laughter, dreams - which give the passion and love for life He wants us to enjoy. If you need to express your heart to a person about a matter, it is okay to go to them. "Talking it out" in privacy and love can save friendships, keep yourself or a friend on track towards a dream or goal, and so much more.

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