Measured!

Measured!

A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. PROVERBS 15:1 AMP

Words are important. It does not matter how good or pure your intentions are; your thoughts, motives and intentions usually are revealed by the words you speak. The power of words is seen from the cradle to the grave; with the lives of both children and adults formed, shaped or broken by the use of words by the people around them.

It is even made more poignant when you also consider that God, in his wisdom and power, created all we see today by words. If I understand that I am made in his likeness, and made to reflect his creative abilities, glory and power, I must also learn to use my words carefully, in line with the purpose and intent behind my creation. Sin tampered with the original template; but it could not in any way reduce the power of the tongue. Now, I am warned to be even more careful how it is used, because the devil also knows the power behind words.

Human relationships are complex; no 2 people are the same, yet in that variety, the cords of God's grace should emphasize unity of end-product. We may not agree on process, procedure or channel, but we must agree on the end result, which must be the advancement of God's grace in and through us. If at any time I find myself insisting on my own way, refusing to hear contrary views and shutting down other voices, then I am not living out the grace of God in me. Even when I think I am right, grace teaches patience and faith that if it is God's will, others will get there eventually. But if I fight and insist on my own way, I lose the chance to let God shine out in me.

If I will promote grace, my words must speak grace. If I will impact lives, my life must first be impacted by God's grace. If my words will speak life and health, they must proceed out of a life that has encountered grace. You cannot give what you don't have. His time of favour is here.