We’ve all been there. It could be in the break room at work, having lunch with a friend, or a social gathering, and before you know it, you’re drawn into speaking about someone in an unflattering way. It can happen so quickly.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” James 3:9-10.
Scriptures address this repeatedly. “If anyone speaks, they should do so as one speaking the very words of God…” 1 Peter 4:11. This sobering verse alone has held my tongue countless times. The problem is not with the tongue, though; it is with our heart. “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.” Luke 6:45. As we permit God to delve into the broken, unsanctified places of our hearts, He heals and restores. He also changes our perspective, and we can see and value others as He does.
Oh, Father – we need You. Guard and purify our hearts daily as we interact with those around us. Give us eyes to see people the way You see them, and give us words of life to speak over them through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Thank you, Jesus.