Post by Richard on Feb 20, 2007 8:42:50 GMT -5
PAINFUL WORDS
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James 3:7-12 (NRSV)
For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
_________________________
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
- Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
_________________________
MY wife and I were praying in front of the altar during a Good Friday prayer vigil. Hanging over the altar cross was a crown of thorns. My eyes focused on that woven crown with its ugly thorns. Each sharp point looked like a miniature sword. I can only imagine the pain Jesus felt as many needle-sharp thorns dug into his flesh.
Seeing this brought to mind a sermon I had heard a few weeks earlier about how our words can be like swords, inflicting deep pain on others. I have experienced this when reckless words of anger and deceit were spoken to me.
How much pain have we inflicted on others with words spoken in anger or haste? How much pain have others inflicted on us? Pain caused by harsh, hateful, and deceitful words can last a lifetime. Speaking every such word is a sin, likely making it one of our most common and most destructive sins. However, the Holy Spirit can help us to control our words so that we bring not pain but healing to others.
Prayer: Forgive us, heavenly Father, for our hurtful words. Heal the wounds they have caused. Thank you for your forgiving grace and your mercy. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today I will pause and listen to the Spirit before speaking.
-- Kenneth V. Cole (New York, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People who speak without thinking
_________________________
James 3:7-12 (NRSV)
For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.
_________________________
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
- Proverbs 12:18 (NIV)
_________________________
MY wife and I were praying in front of the altar during a Good Friday prayer vigil. Hanging over the altar cross was a crown of thorns. My eyes focused on that woven crown with its ugly thorns. Each sharp point looked like a miniature sword. I can only imagine the pain Jesus felt as many needle-sharp thorns dug into his flesh.
Seeing this brought to mind a sermon I had heard a few weeks earlier about how our words can be like swords, inflicting deep pain on others. I have experienced this when reckless words of anger and deceit were spoken to me.
How much pain have we inflicted on others with words spoken in anger or haste? How much pain have others inflicted on us? Pain caused by harsh, hateful, and deceitful words can last a lifetime. Speaking every such word is a sin, likely making it one of our most common and most destructive sins. However, the Holy Spirit can help us to control our words so that we bring not pain but healing to others.
Prayer: Forgive us, heavenly Father, for our hurtful words. Heal the wounds they have caused. Thank you for your forgiving grace and your mercy. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today I will pause and listen to the Spirit before speaking.
-- Kenneth V. Cole (New York, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People who speak without thinking