May the Words of My Mouth and the Meditation of My Heart Be...

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.


As Christians, I believe most of us are acquainted with Psalm 19:4, we endeavor to speak godly words and not words that do harm such as gossip and harsh words. Many times however, we should not speak, we should listen. I've noticed a listening problem lately.

The following statements were made by mature Christians to seriously ill people:

Well Norma, your head has a nice shape to it. (She was recovering from cancer and bald at the time.)

I hope you will not have surgery to remove the tumor, drink this juice it will cure you.

Don't go to doctors for _____ fill in the blank. Just pray.

I was sicker with cancer than you are now. (Spoken by a cancer survivor to someone who died of cancer a few weeks later.)

Joe, I understand your heart is failing, well let me tell you about _____, fill in the blank.

We've all said things we should not say in a multitude of circumstances, for example telling a child something your parents said to you and you swore as a teen when you were an adult you would never say it. We've all lashed out at loved ones. We've all gossiped at 1 time or another. We know when we need to repent and be quiet in most areas of conversation, but sadly many people don't know when to be a listening presence when they visit or call someone who is ill.

My friend Norma always says, "We have two ears and 1 mouth for a reason. We are to listen, love and pray."

Ask the Lord to show you if you are falling short when it comes to listening.

Comments

Angela Baylis said…
I heard someone say lately that our words come out like toothpaste and they can't be put back in the tube. I've thought about some things I've said that I'd give anything to take back. When I was a brand-new Christian I said something to a dear friend of mine regarding her son who is gay and the other was something I didn't speak in love. I still wake up in the middle of the night wishing I could go back in time. I know God forgives me, and I've asked those people I've hurt to forgive me as well, but I only trust God's forgiveness. I'd give anything to have them really forgive me!

I'm glad to come over here for a visit! :)
Love you,
Angie xoxo
Linda said…
Great wisdom here Annette. We have been on the receiving end of such words, and it is so hurtful.
Good one, Annette!
Would you add George to your list?

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