Have you ever said something and then immediately wish that you could take it back? This has happened to me, more than once I am afraid to say. I do not intend to be hurtful, but I allow my opinion to take the lead instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to speak through me. One benefit of making mistakes is the opportunity to learn from it. I have learned to analyze my thoughts before speaking and am learning to discern when it is of God and when it is just me getting in the way. Our words are so powerful and have the potential to be a blessing to those around us but can also do great damage.

The passage above reminds us of the importance of being consistent in our talk. The same way we use our tongue to sing praises to God on Sunday is the same way we should be using our tongue to encourage and speak love to one another daily. I love the following quote from John Piper:

When the heart full of God’s love can draw on the mind full of God’s word, timely blessings flow from the mouth.  

We are human and will on occasion react to situations negatively or unwisely. We are works in progress and, thankfully, God continues molding us into who he wants us to be. But even on our bad days, it is possible to continue speaking love to those around us. How? By consistently being in the Word and allowing God to live and speak through us. The more we know God and spend time with him, the more our words will reflect him to those around us.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, please be the source of my words and actions at all times. May I continually reflect you to those I encounter. Give me wisdom and guard my tongue from anything that is not from you. Allow me to know you more so that my life will be guided by your Word and love. Let others see and hear you in me. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.           James 3:8-12.

The Encounter for today was written by: Crystal B.