A few days ago I was faced with a character onslaught by someone who was disatisfied with a decision I made. When I became aware of what was said my anger rose and I wanted to hit back. The thoughts raced full speed through my mind as to what I would say so I would return the hurt. In a meeting to address the situation, I decided to withold my views as to what stipulations should be enforced.
Later on that afternoon as I stood in my bathroom. the gentle proddings of the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus' response on the cross..."Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. Whoa...forgive him...hmmm, Lord I did no wrong! But, I could not live there I had to release him and free myself. The desire to say what I felt also went. Is this easy? Surely no!
I am sure you can identify with me in situations where you really felt like venting without thinking, when you were unfairly spoken of. It takes a lot of Jesus and self control at times to hol' dat tongue. But, it is a necessary choice that we need to make time and time again.
The beauty of a well spoken word is captured by Solomon when he says in Proverbs 25:11 - "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." This suggests for me that we need to speak so that we do no damage, that is, hol' dat tongue. Jesus again as our supreme example when "accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing." Matthew 27:12.
Do you recognise this as an area of challenge in your life? Do you think you have to hit back when someone has spoken ill of you? Count to ten...one hundred...what ever is necessary, cause get what...when you hol' dat tongue, you still hold your peace and you speak no harm. Process your hurt, anger and preserve that peace, jus hol' dat tongue.
No comments:
Post a Comment