Devotion: ‘That just slipped out’
Our tongues have the ability to encourage and uplift and bless other people when we use our tongues as tools for edification.
HAVE you ever heard someone say: “Sorry. That must of just slipped out!”
Usually when we, or others say this, we imply that we should not be held responsible for something we just said, or that we realise what we just said could be hurtful or gossip or slander, but we said it anyway.
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As Christians, we need to understand that God does not excuse us from the things that just ‘slip out’ of our mouths.
We are actually held responsible for what we say to each other as the followers of Jesus.
The writer of the Proverbs reminds us in Proverbs 18:21: ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits’.
Our tongues have the ability to encourage and uplift and bless other people when we use our tongues as tools for edification.
Sometimes it may be hard to find nice things to say to some people, but as Christians we should train our tongues to say edifying things and things that give grace to those who hear us (Eph 4:30).
Whether it is saying something to a family member or my boss or my next door neighbour, be on your guard when it comes to your words.
Proverbs 18:21 further warns that if we don’t guard our tongues, we could easily end up saying things that we are sorry for saying.
Our words, according to scripture, sometimes act as instruments of murder in the hearts of those who hear us. I can discourage and hurt someone so easily.
Don’t let things slip out, when it comes to your mouth. Be a person whose words rather bring life to their hearers. Be the person who others are blessed to listen to. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Ian Stuart
Scottburgh Baptist Church
Isa 66:2 …and who trembles at His Word
HAVE YOUR SAY
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