A word to reflect on:
Never let evil talk pass your lips;
say only the good things others need to hear,
things that will really help them.
Get rid of all bitterness and harsh words.
Be kind to one another and mutually forgiving,
just as God has forgiven you in Christ.
St. Paul's words here are strong
and I know I need to take them to heart...
From what envy or bitterness in my heart
come the harsh words that sometimes roll off my lips?
Do I spend time rehearsing angry words I'd like to say
- even if I never actually speak them?
Do I need to stop and try to think
of the good things I might say to others,
things that would really help them?
The truth is this:
God never speaks a harsh word to me
but only words that can, in some way, help me...
Even the hard sayings of the Lord are true and just
and meant to help me live a good and honest life...
The words God speaks to me are words of invitation,
words of blessing, words of forgiveness, words of peace,
words of challenge and words of comfort
and all of these are good things I need to hear,
things that will really help me grow...
What words do I harbor in my heart?
What words do I speak?
Do my words help or hinder others
as they make their way along God's path?
Help me be still, Lord
and help me listen in the stillness,
to the words that echo and sound in your heart...
Help me hear the words you speak,
words of mercy, healing and pardon,
words of consolation, comfort and peace,
words of challenge, compassion and love
- and help speak to others
the very words I hear you speak to me...
Calm my heart, Lord,
and help me hear the word
you speak to me today
and to speak to others
only words that will truly help them...
Amen.
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