What To Say When Your Husband Forgets To Pay The Bill...Again.
What if every word you said today stemmed from a heart that was disciplined enough to only say words that would lift up those who listened?
What if every word you said today was said in a loving tone?
What if every word you said today was uttered with gentleness?
What if every word you said today was meant to bless and not curse?
What if every word you said today revealed how well you thought of the people around you?
What if every word you said today brought healing?
What if every word you said today showed respect?
What if every word you said today dripped with mercy and grace?
Even is someone failed you miserably. Even if someone was disobeying you. Even if someone was speaking harshly to you. Even if someone did something foolish. Even if someone hurt you. Even if someone is strong-willed. Or unkind. Or tired and grumpy.
What if you spoke lovingly even when your husband missed that payment? Or still didn’t finish painting the bathroom? Or if that friend said she would come today but then she made another excuse? What if she disappoints you again? Or betrays you.
What if the people who are supposed to know you better than that believe the lies?
Ephesians 4:29-32, (MSG)
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.
Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
Personally, if I focused on just this passage for the next five years, I would have a lot of work to do to apply this Truth in my life.
Make these tips a first practical step towards speaking words that bring life and honor God:
1.) Get in the habit of pausing before you speak, especially if your emotions and temper begin to rise.
2.) If need be, walk away for a moment so that you can control your tongue. Then return as soon as possible and speak with loving-kindness.
3.) Make this your continual prayer throughout the day:
“Lord, give me self-control over my tongue and help me to say only words that will edify. Cleanse my heart and make my words sincere! In Jesus name, Amen!”
4.) Be purposeful to affirm and encourage the people around you in specific ways with specific words, just because you care for them and want them to be uplifted.
Close your eyes and imagine what your home or work-life would look like if you applied Ephesians 4 to your life? Imagine the growth in your spiritual walk with God if you were a man or woman whose words were always the right ones for any given moment and in every situation. I want to be that kind of woman, don’t you?
YOUR TURN! Do you have a runaway tongue that needs work in this area too? Do you want that to change?
Follow me on Facebook for more inspiration and discussion! Find me on Twitter: Amber Lia and Instagram: MotherOfKnights. Start pinning on Pinterest as well!