Words as weapons

Even the most well-meaning believers can injure other believers & prospective believers with words much more easily than we might imagine. We all have witnessed this & the result is never good. Although usually we put on a good face for fellow believers the real deal in our heart sometimes slips out of our mouth. We are downright rude, too busy to care, or so puffed up as to think we can say anything & it is just fine because it is us. I have witnessed some remarkable things under church roofs. A large part of the reason for this is failure to think about what we are saying & failure to realize it isn't all about us! Our words, we are told in scripture, can bless or curse. One may not feel like they have "cursed" someone when they have blown them off or spoken sharply, rudely, or unwisely. Think about the last time it happened to you-did it rise up in your mind for awhile making you feel at least uncomfortable or disappointed, if not even angry? We all do well to try our best to speak with the love of Christ to everyone, reflecting Christ in us. Never let your position or your disposition allow you license to say anything you feel like whether or not it is kind, whether or not it is scriptural. Humans can get caught up in "self" & spew out hurtful & ridiculous statements. Never forget that children will learn & exhibit bad behavior as well! CHALLENGE: Look up what the word says about speaking, the tongue, etc. Often when we look up things we think we are well versed in, if we look far enough we will find something we didn't know! Use several translations & Biblical reference books if you have them. May our words be a blessing to the ears that hear them!