Learning to Guard My Tongue

Did my opinion bring them closer to Christ Jesus?

Am I alone in my struggle in guarding my tongue? When to speak and when to stay silent? Not just in politics or current events but general advice and opinions as well.  It's not just about having the proper ingredients necessary to produce a sweet word but if we fail to measure our words properly they can fall flat.



We can have differing opinions and be quite passionate about them. We can share them to bring awareness and knowledge to others, we can challenge opinions but if at the end of it we have not shown them Jesus or even worse been a poor representation of His grace and love, then we have lost much more than an argument.

As I type these words (of which I am guilty) the justification is already forming in my head...but they are wrong...but they were condescending to me...but they were unkind...but they need to know the truth...but they are in danger.



Speaking out is necessary for instruction but there is no justification for omitting love. None of it matters if we have not shown them Jesus. Sharing an opinion in and of itself is not bad and in some cases needed to avoid harm but how we share it can be toxic. To them and to us. We must be extra diligent in these times to watch our tongues. I know the enemy is having a field day with mine.

“If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” 1Cor 13:2

(I am not claiming to have the gift of prophesy but quoting this verse in dispensing knowledge in general.)

Do you have this struggle as well?  What verse comes to mind to help you think before you speak?

xo, Patty

I'd love to have you join me over on YouTube where I share more of my cottage style in the home and garden.  Here's the link, Lemon Lane Cottage.



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