Watch What You Say....And How You Say It

I just had to write on my blog today because God is so awesome and really taught me a lesson this morning. I was doing my devotions this morning and then read the passage where the Hidden Hearts verse for the month is located. The verse I'm memorizing this month is Ephesians 4:29 which says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." As I worked on memorizing this verse, God really opened my eyes to a truth He wanted me to see and hear.

I am a stay at home mom with two children who love to bicker with each other. My oldest is strong-willed and always wants things her way. She can get rather mouthy with me, and I've been struggling for awhile with trying to not get sucked into arguments with her. As soon as I started to read Ephesians 4:29, I felt God speaking to me. I'm going to be brutally honest here and I hope you don't judge me for it. I hope this will show you that I am not perfect, but I am working on it and I will continue to grow and be a better person with God's help! When I read this verse, I knew God was talking to me about the things I say when I get upset, especially to my daughter. I know that I allow myself to let things come out of my mouth that don't build her up. I then read the last part "that it may benefit those who listen". That's when I thought of my son. I know he hears what I am saying to his sister. OUCH. So when I say something that isn't building up my daughter, it hurts her AND it hurts my son who is listening!

This obviously applies to everyone we come into contact with. We should NEVER let ANY unwholesome talk come out of our mouths. What we say should ALWAYS be helpful in building others up. Others are listening to what we say. Does what they hear us say benefit them too or does it hurt them? Wow. What a responsibility we have! I have decided today to renew again my commitment to watch what I say and not let anything come out of my mouth that isn't edifying to everyone who hears it. I want to be performing construction and not destruction. What about you?