But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8
James 3:8
Extenuating circumstances have left me contemplating the power of the tongue and how quickly words can destroy character and reputation. Words can be a healing balm or a deadly poison. Once released, poisonous words seep deep into the heart and soul, set on a course to destroy. They can never be totally undone or erased no matter how sorry the speaker may be.Words reveal the condition of the heart, as Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." The mouth is a leaky seal releasing the contents of the soul. Where the heart is given to God, blessings will come forth, but where lies and deceit reside, cursing will pour out.
As you may have guessed, we are struggling with the effects of an unbridled tongue and seeking the wisdom of God in how to deal with the situation. It would be easy, in some ways, to lash back, but that is not a real solution as we are not seeking to alienate, but restore. (At least that is what we want to want. The truth is, sometimes it is difficult to pray a blessing on those who hurt us. That is, none the less, what Jesus desires us to do, and we want to follow Him)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalm 19:14
Psalm 19:14
Martha, you have said it so well. The tongue...who can tame it. Living like Jesus did, is not easy...but I love the Scriptures you shared.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for this situation that God will do a miracle and change the hearts of the ones causing the hurt.
Love and Hugs
Wanda
Well, I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this! Nothing hurts more than words some times or the lack of apologies. You have written some very wise thoughts here and I hope the situation works out!
ReplyDeleteI've always felt it best to let others see you for who you really are and then they can decide if what they have been told adds up. If you've been unfairly attacked, the truth will eventually come out. Most people will be able to see the truth just in your character and how you live.
Oh Martha, What a powerful and true message you bring us today.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that this is happening to you.
I know that feeling, there are several on my list of the above.
You said~~(The truth is, sometimes it is difficult to pray a blessing on those who hurt us. That is, none the less, what Jesus desires us to do, and we want to follow Him)
I have learned that it is difficult to do but we are never more Christlike than when we can do it. Only with His help is it possible and
I have come to the point where I can do it.
I have learned that mediators and peacemakers cannot be biased in favor of one of the parties they are mediating. God's Word applies to all equally.
May the Lord bless you with great strength.
Martha, many blessings to you as you seek peace in this situation. I know a girl who years ago was assaulted, raped, and then pregnant. She was a sweet girl, never even had a boyfriend, and she decided to keep the baby. She had to hold her head up high, and forgive many people who thought they just knew what had really happened, and took the opportunity to accuse her of overall bad behaviour, which was so far from the truth it was just crazy. But people listen to bad things, so things were said, and they were believed by some. But she just kept trusting God, and forgiving, as did her family and friends (although a few people did have to be told just to be quiet)...God always knows what is really true, and sometimes He allows things to happen so we can grow and learn not to care what people think. Jesus had no reputation. Being free from what people think of us hurts, but it is good. It only matters really what God thinks, anyway. So endure in your thoughts, not returning evil for evil. Those bitter roots cannot be allowed to grow. Praying for those who hurt us had to begin with forgiving them....(sorry, I didn't mean to be so preachy!!!)
ReplyDeleteDella, you are not being preachy. We can always use a good exercise not only in forgiveness, but in believing the best also, even if we end up being wrong in the end.
ReplyDelete