Words Of Encouragement To Start The Day ( Tuesday 12/23/08)

Something Are Just Better Left...Unsaid

James 1:18-20 (Amplified Bible)
18) And it was of His own [free] will that He gave us birth [as sons] by [His] Word of Truth, so that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures [a sample of what He created to be consecrated to Himself].
19) Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.
20) For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].

Recently I responded to an e-mail to an individual I had difficulty communicating with, so in an effort to ensure that I was wording my e-mail appropriately and that my e-mail lacked emotion and stuck to the facts, that I was living under, I took a big step back, prayed and waited. I read and reread my response to ensure that it was nothing but factual. I also had people read it to ensure I stuck to what I felt my required mandate was. When I felt peace I sent it. When I received this person's response it was as if I had blatantly went on an attack, or I had said something to be intentionally offensive. At the end of a section of bitter diatribe, there was a line that said "I do not know why I said this because this was not the point of this e-mail." So if that was not the point why go there? Why say things that are counterproductive and irresponsible? It is because we want to hurt or get the last word in, or we can not give up what we perceive our right to be right is.

Why do we often choose to say things we know are not relevant or things that will hurt or maim? It is an act of our will. We take our need to vent, our need to express our opinion, anger, or emotion and we let it run free, without taming it or bring it under subjection. God's will is for us to encourage, support and uplift, if there is any correction, instruction or rebuke that is done, He wills that His love be out in front and His words be the balm that soothes the very heart and soul of those we encounter. Daily we are faced with opportunities to say things, one way or another or to silence certain behaviors, and actions that are not pleasing to God, but it is still our choice whether we go the way of the cross or the way of the flesh. God will never force us, but as my Grandma James said through out our lives, "it is only right to do right." The words we sow, we do not realize are words that we are released in the atmosphere and we are giving them life and place. It is important to choose wisely and to tame the unruly member that so often takes us to places we should not go.

As you encounter, people, situations and circumstances, whether they be at home, at work, at church or at play, choose with wisdom the words that you speak or write. Let God's love and wisdom be your measuring stick for the things that flow from your mouth, your heart and your pen ( or in most cases these days, our finger tips). Don't let emotion, pride or any other element take you to a place where you say thing that would be better off left unsaid, or unread!