talkDo you know when NOT to talk?

This special post is timed for the holidays when you’re with people who drive you nuts. Are you tempted to scream or sulk in their presense? Or do you desire meaningful talk time?

cropped-heart_small-e1440804652192.jpgWhile most communication is nonverbal, sometimes you must use words. Right? Unless you plan to play charades and take turns acting out in pantomime, you must talk.

Therein lies the rub: Words can slice and dice like a chef on steroids.

Do you remember way back when you were little, and a kid hurled a nasty name at you on the school playground? It hurt didn’t it?

A new student in eighth grade and shy, I got the moniker “spacey” from a few “mean girls.” You remember them. They increased their power by putting down others. They trashed-talked me on the “predictions page” of the school yearbook too, though I doubt the adult adviser picked up on it. The occupation they chose for me? Astronaut. Not funny.

The best way to learn when not to talk is learning what God says about speech.

Here are two guidelines.

1. Desire to Guard Your Lips

To make a meaningful change in your talk, you first want to want to change. It makes sense, doesn’t it? But it’s simple to say and hard to do!

A greedy person must now prefers becoming a giver. A liar becomes a truth-teller. A gossip now desires to build up with her words, not tear down.

King David prayed,

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

He desired a change and prayed a prayer he knew God would honor. Would you like to change your speech too? May I encourage you to pray a similar prayer to Jesus?

2. Expect Fewer Problems!

Did you that guarding your lips means you’ll have fewer problems? Listen to King Solomon.

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

Transforming words make a positive influence on the people around you and in yourself. Well-chosen words bring forgiveness, encouragement, praise, truth, grace, thankfulness, discretion, and happiness.

Since God has given you the gift of speech, isn’t is wise to “talk like Jesus”?

Talk About It

What is one change in your talk you can choose to make today?

Sharing hope for your heart,

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