We live in a culture of free speech, which has been further heightened due to social media. We are encouraged to voice our opinions and ideas as frequently as we want without considering the consequences of our words. But the Bible tells us to consider what we say and how we speak because when we speak, too much sin is unavoidable.

As a preacher and one who spends much of the day talking, I find this Scripture very relevant. Often, I am figuring out what I am saying while I am speaking. For all of you who are verbal processors, this can be a major challenge in our walk with Jesus Christ. You see, God wants us to measure our words and consider the impact that they may have before we speak. This means that we should restrain what we say, and when we do we show wisdom.

While measuring our words may sound like an easy concept, it isn’t! This is because our tongues are spiritually connected to our hearts (James 3:1-12). Therefore, changing our speech and restraining our lips require that we have a heart change. The ONLY ONE who can make that change in your life is Jesus Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has the power of keeping us from being in a position where we sadly reflect and ponder, “I wish I hadn’t said that.”

Will you bring your heart under the authority of Jesus Christ and the power of His Holy Spirit so that you can reflect God’s goodness with your tongue?”

PRAYER

Dear Jesus. I place my thoughts and words under your authority because I know that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45b).” Lord, will you empower me by your Holy Spirit to let my words be edifying and encouraging as I speak them? I submit to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.