Thursday 23 January 2014

Thursday - listening to our words


Holy God,  Holy Mighty,  Holy Immortal One have mercy upon me.  Holy God, Holy Mighty,  Holy Immortal One have mercy upon me.  Holy God,  Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One grant me Your peace.  Amen.

            Read James 3: 3-5

Taming the tongue.  Our words  can be a soothing balm upon another’s soul or they can become harsh wounds that injure others.  The choice is ours.   Think before you speak.  Ask God to live in you this day and help you to listen to what you are going to say before you say it.

Today on CBC Radio  with Jian Ghomeshi was a great illustration of guarding our tongues and listening.   Jian was interviewing a celebrity on Wednesday.    Listeners wrote in  between yesterday and today and stated that Jian spoke to her in a flippant manner.  Jian had no idea that he spoke to the celebrity with anything but compassion in his mind.  Yet  the listeners heard something different.   Jian  had no idea what the listeners heard in his voice  but  by the number of letters to him,  the listeners did hear something.  And then called him on his tone of voice.    Wow.  

This is a great example not only of James’  advice but also  something preachers must focus upon.  Listening to the tone of their voice while preaching sermons.  It is so important for each Minister to  practice preaching their sermons  outloud before  Sunday worship.   Frequently what is written sounds okay until the preacher speaks the words out loud. 

Today  how will we listen to our words? Ask God to live in you this day and help you to listen to what you are going to say before you say it.

 As I go through this day with You LORD,  may I guard my tongue.  Help me to  live in  Your joy and praise.  In Jesus Name I pray.  Amen.

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