Watch your words!
2016 has started with a storm, sparked by an unknown person with no political position or economic power. Social media has become a super highway of accusations and attacks. Some people claim it their right to have freedom of speech.
One big lesson that I have learnt from this whole issue is the power of words. Power to kill and power to heal, power to unite and, yes, power to divide. The Bible teaches us about the power of the words that cross our lips.
Meditate on these words of wisdom before you speak or put a message on social media.
Matthew 12:36, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgement for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Proverbs 13:3, “He who guards his lips, guards his soul, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”
James 1:19, “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry …” Watching our words is not just for South Africans, it is for everybody.
I cannot control what others say but I can ask God to put a guard over my mouth so that I do not utter words that will kill and divide.
Prayer: God, forgive me for words I have spoken that have hurt others. Amen.
