Have you ever had a moment when you realised you couldn’t go back on something? Like walking out of an exam and suddenly realising you misunderstood the question . . .

The same thing can happen with the people around us. Our relationships and friendships are affected massively by the words we speak to each other. And once we’ve said something, we can’t take it back. Those words we’ve spoken will either show love and kindness, or do damage and cause pain. James gave us a picture of this when he wrote, “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” (JAS. 3:6).

When we worry that we’ve said the wrong thing to someone, we can ask them—and God—for forgiveness (MATT. 5:23-24; 1 JOHN 1:9). But even better is to spend time with God each day to prepare us for how we’re going to treat others. Paul challenges us: “Let your conversation be always full of grace” (COL. 4:6). Let’s try to make sure what we say will please God and encourage the people we speak to.

By: Bill Crowder

To Pray About . . .

Father, please guard my words today. May I say things that are wise, that please You and show love to others.