"To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. For,“The one who desires life, to love and see good days,Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. “He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it." I Peter 3:8-11
You're going to read a good bit from me over the next few days, weeks, months about the tongue because the Lord is teaching me much about my tongue.
A few days ago, during a time of listening prayer, I believe God wanted me to make a list of anything bad I could think of that I had said about anyone over the last 5 years. I mean anyone. From my neighbors to my friends, to my coworkers, to my family, to the strangers who have made me mad while driving or irritated me in restaurants, or just aimless comments I have made about people while people watching. In addition, I wrote next to the comment what I was doing, how I felt, etc. (talking on the phone, sitting at my desk, happy, angry, out to dinner with friends, etc.) . . . obviously I couldn't remember everything, but I did the best I could.
I encourage you to try this because it is incredibly powerful and incredibly sobering and incredibly convicting.
Do I think God wanted me to do this because He is mean and thinks I am a terrible person? No. Because He's not mean, nor does he think I'm a terrible person; because when He looks at me, He looks at me through the blood of Jesus.
I think He wanted me to do this because He is teaching me something about my tongue and the power it has. I believe God wanted me to do this to see just how much evil can come forth from my mouth, both in times of emotional distress and even during casual conversation.
And He wants me to use my powers for good. "The one who desires life, to love and see good days, must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit. He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it."
All that to say, our words are weighty. They have the power of life and death. Regardless of our reason for speaking, whether we feel we are justified or right in what we are saying or if we are just being careless with our words; they are so very powerful.
Carol, I am overwhelmed at watching you walk through this experience in your life.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine what my list would look like. It makes me sad to think about it, but probably something I should endeavor to do.
Carol, I heard about you losing your job, and I was very surprised.
ReplyDeleteI have only known you to be an loving, generous, kind woman.
I am not surprised to know you have spoken words that you regret. We are humans. We do it every day. Not saying that to try to erase anything God is teaching you, just encouraging you to walk in the grace and forgiveness I am sure He has already offered.
I love you my sweet friend. - Johnnie
That is a difficult assignment, Carol. I'm not sure I would be up to it. I know the Lord will be gracious as He guides you through this process. Love you, becky j.
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ReplyDeleteThanks Becky,
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not fun. But necessary.
Anonymous,
I know for sure it is God speaking to me because I can't imagine the enemy would want me to be aware of any of that.
I suppose as this process unfolds, and as I feel led to share it, I'll most likely blog about it too.
Great word, Carol. I love the vulnerability and the fact that it isn't all figured out and wrapped in a pretty bow. I love that you are taking us on this journey with you. This is a lesson all of us can learn (a lesson God's been teaching me in abundance lately).
ReplyDelete"All of that to say"... thanks for sharing. You aren't the only one who needs this right now. :)