My friends Lesley wrote a really good blog recently about saying "I'm Sorry" and meaning it. (Lesley Vance. I recommend you read her blog regularly. It's really good!) As I was reading it, I thought of my own relationships and those things for which I apologize over and over. More often than not, my mouth gets me in trouble.
I recognize that, as I've gotten older, I've become more willing to say what's on my mind and on my heart. Unfortunately, it too often comes with a price. It's bad enough that I think the thoughts. It speaks volumes about my heart. But lately, I've not done a very good job of guarding my tongue.
Psalm 34:13 says, "Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit." James 1:26 says, "If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless."
It is VERY convicting when I consider how quickly I can hurt the ones I love with a word. My tongue has become a weapon when I speak to my beautiful wife and my precious daughters. My words have become pollution when I'm at work or in social settings with friends and family. I've reached a point where I need to stop apologizing and start praying for God's intervention. Does "I'm sorry" ring hollow when I don't do anything to stop the hurtful words? I think so.
I want to be a man of strong, Godly words. But it's not enough to just filter my thoughts before the exit my mouth. The sin begins in my heart and I need God to work on my heart.
Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me." The change begins in my heart too. I pray that the work of the Holy Spirit is alive in me and it manifests as kind words and deeds for those that I love.
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