I hope this finds you enjoying your days. Unfortunately, I have been a bit disheartened with myself this week.

Being kind and sensitive with others has always been my desire. In Ephesians, it instructs us to “let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them”.

This week, I started blabbing about how I feel about a certain issue based on what I had experienced. While doing this, I offended someone I care about who experienced this frame of time very differently. Was I being sensitive to this person? Was what I was saying good and helpful? Or an encouragement? I would have to say, “No” At the time, I didn’t think about this. I was not trying to make anyone upset, but I did.

I am thankful that the Lord does not leave us alone when we do wrong. He spoke to my heart until I asked forgiveness from Him and from my friend. I pray that she does forgive me.

In James, he states that we are to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger”. Just two days later from my first discouragement, I was quick to speak on a matter. Then, a little while later, the Lord reminded me that I had misspoke and what I had said was untrue. I was so embarrassed by this because I couldn’t believe that I had forgotten a simple thing that I had done just maybe an hour before.

Also in Ephesians, it tells us to be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but wise. Making the most of your time, for the days are evil.

Our words matter. Our thoughts matter. As I’ve stated before, this is a struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Between not leaning on my own understanding. I pray as I continue to have His Spirit renew my mind, I will be more of an encourager, more of a listener, and maybe one day—be slow to speak.

Proverbs also says “the tongue has the power of life and death, those who love to talk, reap the consequences.” (NLT)

My prayer for the coming days, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.“