How well do you hold your tongue?

It’s hard to keep those careless comments to yourself, huh?  A child misses the bus, a spouse forgets an appointment, a neighbor fails to mow their lawn and baam, out comes a snide remark or a thoughtless dig.  You know you shouldn’t have said it but the situation is just frustrating enough that you fail to hold our tongue. Well, you and I both need to learn to hold our tongues, don’t we.  Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 12:36 that “on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said.”  Did you catch that:  EVERY careless thing!  Every critical remark made in confidence, every “just kidding” hurtful jab, every demeaning slur.

Yes, EVERY careless thing will be on display when we stand before the Lord on Judgment Day.  Why not make a change today and turn your careless words into words that promote peace; peace in your life as well as in the lives of others?

• Instead of reminding your child of their failure, why not encourage them by saying ‘you’ll do it better tomorrow honey…I’ll help you.’
• Instead of belittling your spouse for their inability to read directions, why not build them up by pointing out how well they drive (or visa versa).
• Instead of poking fun at your neighbor’s yard (in front of them or behind their back), why not encourage them by acknowledging a different area of strength in their family?

Learn to hold your tongue.  That way, on Judgment Day, the Lord will acknowledge you with the words “well done good and faithful servant.  Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:23).