Have you ever been careless and broken a favorite cup or vase?
A dear friend or loved one?
I have.
Today my heart is aching over carelessness in a relationship. It is a difficult situation. Has the harsh angry vindictive words brought it to the point of no return? The heart attitudes
Often “bathing with prayer” is the only help we can give in a seemingly unsolvable situation with stubborn hurt people. Years ago, my mom told me when loved ones were “having words”, she would keep on her knees until there was a change. She knew there was no other way. You know what? It did change.
Hearts and speech can only be changed as we chose to lay aside ourselves and act in humility.
Humility.
We need to cultivate a willingness to be quick to listen, to be slow to speak and to be slow to anger. Heart change, humbling ourselves for the good of the other person, for the good of the Body can only come from our surrender and His Spirit working. For the good of ourselves.
To be like Christ can be humiliating. Do we need to recall that He Himself was willing to be humiliated for us? Do we need to be reminded He prayed?
Being a boss or friend or elder or leader or mom or follower means being careful in our words because we just might break a heart, inflict a wound or stir up trouble.
The breaking of a heart may even include our own.
Gently moving forward praying all the while that words of grace can be spoken and heard.
Careless is never a good. Careless is an action of a person who is not intentional and careful; maybe just don’t realize the impact of their words. Sometimes, we do speak too quickly, We are tired or hungry. Preoccupied. Still isn’t that only an excuse? Overcoming the habit is not easy.
Intentional, deliberate, carefully, softly as soft words can turn away wrath we must discipline ourselves to speak just so. How many more ways do we need to be told? Over and over evidently judging by how often it is addressed in the New Testament.
May you have many words of grace spoken to you and words of grace that you speak to others.
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for the building up, as fits the occasion, that may give grace to all who hear. Ephesians 4: 29
maybe linking here:
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Thank you for these thoughtful words. I needed to hear this reminder!
Don’t we all need that reminder occasionly. Hope your Sunday is a blessed one. Linda
I have missed you and your kind heart, words of wisdom and calm spirit for 35 years, dear Linda.
Now I feel a peace having found you again.
What an enouragement Shelley. It had been good to reconnect after so long. HAve a good week. Blessings, Linda
Words of grace are so needed, both to be spoken to others and received as well. Blessings!
This is so very true Linda! Thank you for this important reminder!
True words indeed. And in these awful weeks of terrible news coming from so many places a reminder that humility and a willingness to listen and change is needed not just for domestic peace but for peace between and among all peoples. Thanks for this reminder and for your mother’s example.
I really liked your use of carelessly and carefully. It’s the first time I’ve seen it worded like that and really like. Our words have such power. I pray we use them only to build up instead of bring down. Great post. I’m glad you found your way to Three Word Wednesday and hope you join us again. Blessings.
Thank you. Words are so important. I am expecially aware these days with my 14 and 15 year old girl. Look forward to more Three Word Wednesday.