BEFORE YOU SPEAK

BEFORE YOU SPEAK . . .
Let your words pass through three gates:
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?

Every word that God inspires me to write down is, first and foremost, directed at me and for me.  I always try to be so careful saying the words God told me to or God laid on my heart to………but, it seems that God has given me the ability to use some of my experiences in life to not only remind me of how far He has brought me or how far I have to go.  But to, maybe, encourage someone else to learn to listen to the voice of God and to follow His instructions.  I have a very long way to go.

One thing I have learned is to not throw clichés around unless I can back them up in Scripture.  Now look, I am so far from being a scholar of the Bible that I hesitated in even putting the words in my article this morning.

Be who God created you to be……….

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

I have used so many words in my life in speaking to people, most of them unnecessary. I have been told many times in my life, by men and women of faith, that I need to let my yes be yes and my no be no.

Matthew 5:37 “All you need to say is simply yes or no; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”

Once again, even from childhood, I have been instructed to stop talking so much.

When I speak, I am very careful that my words are true.  I am sure every one of us have lied in our lives for various reasons.  As children we probably lied to keep out of trouble with our parents.  When I look back, I remember my lies were to make myself appear to be more than I was.  I can remember just wanting to be important and looked up to, wanting to be normal, whatever that is.

When I was saved, it was radical.  It started changing me from the very core of by being, my soul. I didn’t have to try to make myself be more than I was, because I now knew I was a child of God.  There is nothing more or better than that!

John 8:31-32 “ So, Jesus said………if you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Be kind!

Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

I am working on all of these daily.  I am praying for others and myself.  I am trying to be silent and listen to the voice of God.  I am striving for my words to be true, necessary and kind.

But, not for me,
it’s all for His glory,
Debbie