WATCH YOUR MOUTH

Have you ever thought about how quickly a careless comment can cause damage?

Though what we say may seem small and insignificant, our words have a powerful impact on those around us. As the scripture reminds us, how we communicate reflects what’s in our hearts—and so it’s important to practice good stewardship over your mouth.

From negative self-talk, and words of unbelief to gossip and backbiting,

Controlling our words can be a challenge, but it’s the key to living up to God’s expectations for us.

Remember Matthew 12:35-37 says – for every word spoken God holds us accountable! God takes what we say seriously. For that matter, so does the enemy. What do we do in the face of such a heavy responsibility?

Here are seven ways to control your mouth in order to avoid the negative implications;

Pray daily for self-control in this area.

I particularly like David’s prayers regarding this;

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14

Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips. Psalms 141:3 (NLT)

Being a man after God’s own heart, perhaps David understood the weightiness of controlling the tongue.

Think before you speak; each word we say will have consequences!

Our words have enormous power, and we should be aware of that before speaking. The Bible says The power of life and death is in the tongue.

He who guards his mouth preserves his life,
But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. Proverbs 13:3 (NKJV)

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-3 (NKJV)

When our words are aligned with scripture we send angels on assignment. When they are negative, critical and condemning they open the door for demonic attack. Plus, we are partnering with the enemy – or he partners with the words we speak.

When animosity arises, take a deep breath and focus on understanding rather than attacking with harsh language.

A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath

Proverbs 15:1 tells us, that A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

Also, realize there’s usually no take-backs with what comes out of our mouths; You can’t unsay something.

Counter negative talk by using uplifting phrases that counter hostile comments.

Choose meaningful conversations instead of idle talk, as these will rely more on purpose than emotion.

Remind yourself of Jesus’ example – instead of responding angrily or vengefully, He chose grace and mercy when facing tough situations.

Practice empathy by considering others’ feelings when speaking.

Ask, “How would I feel if someone were saying this to me?”

Also, consider this when talking about someone. Ask, “How would I feel if someone were saying this about me?”

This of course leads to the next key.

Don’t get caught in the trap of gossip or slander.

This is an easy trap to step into. Especially when we consider it sharing, or venting. The Bible is clear about this type of talking.

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife;
gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28 NLT

Jesus warned in several places in the Gospels about backbiting.

King Solomon known for being the wisest of men, writes in the 6^th Chapter of Proverbs that God hates a lying tongue and a person who sows discord. Discord is usually sown by the tongue!

Remember that what comes out of your mouth reflects who is inside- so choose wise speech carefully!

The Bible tells us, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

In other words, a steady flow of critical and negative words reflects a heart filled with criticism and negativity. These can often be symptoms of deeper issues such as insecurity, jealousy, anger and more.

Today, think about the words you are saying. Are they uplifting and filled with faith? Are they words that align with the scripture and put angels on assignment or are they words that agree with the enemy and are an invitation for a legal demonic attack in your life?