Apprentice

I have come to notice lately how hurtful I can be with my words. I can’t wait to criticise people, whether it is to their face (although it’s often not) or to other people. Paul wrote:

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

When I speak to correct someone my motivation should be to build them up, my concern should be for them and their good. When I look back the times I have spoken to correct people I think I have a habit of being extremely insensitive. Even if I am speaking the truth I cannot always say that I speak it in love. I place a lot of emphasis on being honest and straightforward but I have little regard for speaking in love and using my speech to build others up. I have to question my motivation for speaking to correct people. Do I just want to show people that they are wrong so I can show them that I am right? Do I just put people down because of my own desire to build myself up?

I am thankful that God has convicted me of this and I know that he forgives me and loves me more than I could know. I have been freed from this sin and proof of this freedom is that I cannot rest under it - it bothers me and causes me to want to change. I have been and will continue to pray David’s prayer:

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! (Psalms 141:3 ESV)