Shame on my Tongue

Where shall I begin?  Allow me to lay it on the line as I view one sided communication.  There are those around us that believe what they say should be the final word.  Don’t do as I do, do as I say is their motto, not only through spoken words, but in some cases, actions as well.

People like this do not think about the lasting impact that their hurtful words can have on another person.  Like India ink, unkind words can be indelibly printed on the psyche of those on the receiving end of cruelty.  Words either draw or repel others to oneself, depending on the context and how words are delivered. 

Shame on anyone that is overbearing with strong words that cut deeply into the heart of individuals that would rather exchange peaceful communication than not.  In some instances, a person gives into the aggressor and ceases to stand up for what is right in their own eyes.  Shame on one-sided communicators.

No doubt, such big mouths have bullied others their whole life and have been allowed to get away with hastily spoken words without being put in their place.  Verbal abuse equals physical and mental cruelty in my opinion.

An uncontrolled tongue can produce an emotional rollercoaster ride for those trying to keep the peace.  Speaking with a cruel or forked tongue is frowned upon by God.  An unruly tongue is set on hellfire and is hard to bridle, but the Holy Spirit is the Watchman at the mouth of Spirit-filled people that want to do better.

If inconsiderate behavior becomes a way of life, it keeps others at bay.  People would rather be somewhere else than in the presence of someone that fails to weigh their words before speaking.  Everyone needs to think before they speak.  Remember, a kind answer turns away wrath.

I am reminded of a fellow I knew in high school.  As the story goes, he took time to drive to another city to visit his grandmother that he hadn’t seen in a while.  Instead of welcoming him with open arms, she proceeded to berate him with negative words, saying, “When are you going to visit me?  You never come to see me anymore!”

The poor boy was taken-a-back and said, “But Grandma, I’m here now.”  She continued, “You will probably come see me when I’m dead and in my coffin!”  These words cut him to the core.  That was the last time he went to see her. 

Harsh words can cut like a straight razor that is finely honed on a razor strap.  Some people hone their skills of negative communication to achieve the final word when dealing with others.  What good is this if people cease to come around?  Words can drive a person away or draw them to one’s bosom.

Had love and affection been demonstrated that day, I am convinced that my friend would have made special efforts to visit his grandmother more frequently; we will never know, because it didn’t happen.  

It is wise to consider words that uplift another person’s spirit rather than tearing them down with a tongue full of wielding, faultfinding retort, like a weapon in the hands of a killer.  I said that I was going to lay it on the line.

Unsuitable words that are spoken can kill a relationship, business dealings, and at any other venue where conversation takes place.  Appropriate words and the right attitude are a must if successful attainment is truly desired.

I do not believe that anyone wants loneliness as a bedfellow, so-to-speak.  Anyone that refuses to control their tongue will soon be talking to themselves after friends, family members, and colleges choose to not engage in conversation any longer.  They will distance themselves.

Shame on my tongue if it causes conflict of any kind.  Shame on me if I know to do good and do it not.  The Bible says that it is sin.  Thank God for the Holy Spirit that helps me control angry words that sit on hellfire.  Kindness to others is Godly.  Bad words are not.  

I believe in treating everyone as I want to be treated.  After all, is this not the Golden Rule?  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

(Matthew 7:12), “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”  

Please don’t feel that I am pointing a finger of accusation your way, to charge you with fault, because three would be pointing back at me if I did this.  I just believe that it is more blessed to share words of encouragement and uplifting splendor that inspire another party to feel good about themself.  I think we can all do better in this area.

We are to speak with love, which conquers all things.  The Bible says that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This doesn’t mean sending certain words their way if they play their music too loud, park in front of our house, or allow their dog to poop on our lawn without picking it up.  A kind word changes things.

Shame on my tongue if I yield to the old nature of a “get even syndrome.”  I am no longer that person.  I am in Christ Jesus.  I need to speak in ways that people see the Lord in me.  Shame on me if I fail to do so.  Shame on me if I heed not God’s Word.  The Bible says that from the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

(Matthew 12:35, 36), “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.”  (36) “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”             

I think we should evaluate to see if our heart measures up to God’s Word.  Is it a heart of flesh or a heart of stone?  Jesus gives beauty for ashes when we listen to the Holy Spirit and strive to do better with our communication.  He casts away the nastiness of speech from us because He changes us from the inside out.

God’s love makes all the difference when He takes up residence in our heart.  The Lord brings forth kindness and long suffering because this is who He is.

Words fitly spoken are like a bouquet of flowers with a card saying, “I respect your feelings and love you to the moon and back.”  Such is a tongue controlled by the Spirit of God.  As we try harder to bring harmony rather than confusion with our words, God’s blessings surround us, which draws people our way.

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd