This morning, while reading my devotional, it spoke on the tongue.
Words are powerful. Words reveal our thoughts, heart, and impact others. I enjoy writing; therefore, I love words!
A couple of years ago, while in therapy, I began to understand the truth of words and the importance of direct communication.
The only direct communication I had memory of was in my drunk, stupor state- of -mind when my words were not my truth. They were muddled words spoken from a place of bitterness, resentment, and the hatred I carried in my heart. Can you relate? Maybe, your words are not muddled from drunkenness, but from a place of anger and malice. The 'feeling' of...you hurt me, so I am going to hurt you.
I lived that way for a while, especially with my husband. Now, with the holy spirit's help, I can be honest with him, myself, and others. Why? Because I have found wisdom in Proverbs 18:21.
The tongue has power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Ask yourself what fruit you are producing? Is it faithfulness, self-control, patience, goodness, gentleness, joy, kindness, peace, and love.
I have to embrace accountability. Sometimes life happens; sometimes I do not produce all of the "good" fruit. Why? because I am sinner who is saved by God's grace, and I need Jesus daily to correct me when I am wrong; and continually teach me wisdom and knowledge.
Communication was and still can be, at times, hard for me. Difficult conversations use to scare me. I never wanted to hurt anyone's feelings or feel uncomfortable by speaking my truth. Truth is- God, himself, gave us a playbook (the bible) how to handle our tongue and how to handle ourselves and others' during quarrels and feelings of injustice or our own prideful ways.
I value honesty and honest communication. It is very valuable in reconciling or terminating relationships. I thank God every day for working on my heart, and my inner demons, because I now am accountable for my own tongue and my marriage has been restored on account of it.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
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