Tactful Speech - 3/17/22

Tactful Speech

Hey Family, today as I reflected on my life and the roles that I play in people's lives and the positions that I hold professionally and even in a voluntary capacity, I was drawn to the idea that all those positions and relationships are held together and obtained by many things, but in particular my speech. If I didn't speak, if I didn't communicate effectively and tactfully those roles would not be in place as I and others know them today. Now, by the grace of God, we, as Christians, don't have the same pressure as the world does, to do it on our own. We have a good and gracious God who is willing and able to speak in and through us in all situations to bring all the things He has for us to fruition. So, be mindful of your mouth and if you're willing, let God do the talking. 

Today's Prayer

"Dear Heavenly Father, You made our mouths, our tongues, our voices and all the vocal inflections and words and grunts that can humanly be uttered. And since You did not make us slaves, You made us sons and daughters, we have the choice of how and when we use these beautiful, but dangerous God-given tools. So, Lord give us wisdom, discernment, and grace as we move and speak throughout this life, so that You and Your Kingdom might be glorified by all. In Christ Jesus name we pray, Amen."

Scripture

Our Ruthless and Powerful Tongue

James 3:1‭-‬18

"Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

Quote of the Day

"I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right."

- Markus Zusak

Have a blessed day! 🙂

THE POSSIBLE PLACE