
Dear Reader, please don't think that choice was noble or altruistic in any way. (Remember me? I'm the one with the poison pen.)
9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people. And God made them like himself. 10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers, this should not happen.
James 3:9-10 ICB
The more I became immersed in the professional world, the more I learned that the power can easily be corrupted. Have you felt the sting of having your words bandied about, or used against you? Perhaps it's due to misplaced trust, or restroom eavesdropper.
Workplace words used to put down rather than promote are bad enough. But what about traitorous words from those closest to you? Jesus knew how that felt.
44 Judas had planned a signal for them. He had said, “The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him and guard him while you lead him away.” 45 So Judas went to Jesus and said, “Teacher!” and kissed him.
Mark 14:44-45 ICB
In a casual conversation, it's so easy to let a careless word slip. Have you ever done that, Dear Reader? It's not like we go looking for an opportunity to slander and/or hurt.
When it comes to our conversations, there's good news and bad news. First, the bad: we're accountable for all of our words, not just the careless ones.
Let me tell you something: Every one of these careless words is going to come back to haunt you. There will be a time of Reckoning. Words are powerful; take them seriously. Words can be your salvation. Words can also be your damnation.”
Matthew 12:36b-37 MSG
Since it isn't, I have to trust in our great big God, who is big on forgiveness:
who would stand a chance?
As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit,
and that’s why you’re worshiped.
Psalm 120:3 MSG
The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,
silver refined in a furnace on the ground,
purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6 RSV