“But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned." Matthew 12:36-37
My words are a reflection of my heart. When Christ captures my heart then my words are measured and meaningful. A heart pregnant with the Lord’s purposes produces good fruit for its recipients. It’s when my heart avoids the Almighty’s instructions that my words become careless. They wound and bring harm to the hearers who receive my insensitivity.
We communicate better when we understand the gravity of undisciplined speech. There is an accountability from God that one day gauges what we have said. No idle word will miss the microscope of our Master’s judgment. “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). The Holy Spirit bridles our tongue with words of great worth.
So, does your speech represent your Savior well? Do your words incubate in a heart of intimacy with God and accountability with man? Like a thoughtful and creative artist use your words to paint a picture that provides understanding and instruction. Prepare your heart in prayer before you speak in a meeting or prior to a performance review. At home, resolve to be respectful in all matters of conversation and others will reciprocate. Know that what is said in the privacy of your own home may fall on the ears of your innocent children, so don’t be surprised at what you hear them say. It may be at a very embarrassing moment.
Careless words are best corralled by Christ’s calming presence. When He seasons our speech with grace there is a gravitas that gains the attention of the most suspecting souls. It’s when the Lord speaks through us that we experience the best communication. Indeed, a humble heart full of Christ’s courage carries the right words at the right time. Speak with bold clarity and trust God with the results. Convert careless words to kind ones.
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6, NKJV).
Are my words measured in prayer? Do I speak with accountability to God in mind?
Related Readings: Psalm 139:4; Proverbs 18:21; Job 15:3; Ephesians 5:4
Source: Wisdom Hunters by Boyd Bailey
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