The words we speak
‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’
James 1:19
You only have to be deaf to realise how powerful words are.
They are the very means of our relationships and virtually every human being
has this power in their possession. The Bible says a lot about our speech.
The quotation from James is very interesting. It is easy to be quick to speak – we all do that.
But we are encouraged here to be ‘quick to listen’, to take the speech
of the other person seriously and to exercise discipline over our own words.
What we need to avoid is slander and gossip, destructive criticism,
immoral speech and the like. The essence of our speech is to love the other person
as we seek to bless them and to build them up.
All this comes from the Holy Spirit who gifts us with self-control.
Question for thought: Is my speech motivated by love for others?
Almighty God, we bring before you the diocese of Kansai in DR Congo
and the many people displaced through violence. May there be an end to fighting
and members be comforted knowing you are in charge of all things and are faithful to your promises.
We thank you for Viv Feltham as she leads the diocese of North Queensland
and encourages members to talk and share about the future as they share
the hope of the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Amen