My eyes widened in surprise as my face flamed. Usually even-tempered, the hot heat in my cheeks was almost visible to me. I was furious. Oh, did I ever have a ready retort, waiting to roll off my tongue.
I had never been so angry.
Or hurt.
I was justified, any jury would agree, God Himself would agree. I was ready to fling the festering frustrations right back at ‘em; I had every right, didn’t I?
Times before, I had. And that misuse of the gift of words had left me ashamed. I did not want to do it again. I inwardly cried out to God to help me.
I believe in that moment, nothing short of Jesus himself sealed my lips and imparted enough self-control so I might hold my tongue.
I Thessalonians 2:4 reminds me how I ought to speak—not to elicit a reaction from others… not to vent… not to give a reaction … but speak to please God.
Always.
Not just when it’s a glorious day.
Wow.
Let’s allow that to sink in.
When I read that verse, the anger simmers. The hurt might linger but at lower decibels. Suddenly my reaction, my sense of justice, my pride, seems so unimportant.
As I ponder that verse, I am reminded that someday, the words I spoke to someone else will be remembered by Him. And, He will one day call me to an account of all I ever said, and all I ever did. In that moment, my heart will be revealed.
So, in obedience to Him, I must watch my words.
Even when I am angry.
Even angry beyond belief.
Even when I am hurt.
Even in excruciating pain.
Even when, more than anything, I want to spew venom on someone, retaliating for words hurled at me.
But how?
How to rein in the tongue? How to rein in those emotions which threaten to illuminate my all-to-humanness?
Spend more time with Jesus. Spend more time in His word.
Because when we spend more time with Him, we realize what others think or say really doesn’t compare to what He says about me.
And He says I am dearly loved.
He says I am an heir with Him.
He says I am more than enough.
And because I am a child of God, I have help to do daily life as I ought.
He promises I can do all things through Him, because He strengthens me.
He promises to never leave me alone to fight on my own.
He promises me self-control as I ask for and search for Him.
When those moments come and I am tempted to unleash my tongue, the Holy Spirit is there to help rein it in.
When my emotions bundle up that hurt and prepare to hurl it back, The Holy Spirit is there to catch it before it can leave my hand.
He’s got me.
Even when I don’t necessarily have control of myself, when I surrender to Him, He gives me self-control.
I must make time to mediate on His word. Hide His promises in my heart. Cement His Truths in my soul.
So, the next time someone hurts me, I know what to do. Turn to Him. Ask for His help, before I, out of anger and hurt, do something I know I’ll regret.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your constant help for doing life Your way. Thank You for Your promises that You never leave me, and that You will always strengthen me to do what I need to do for You. Please help me to glorify You in every word I speak. In Jesus’ name, Amen. fffffff