Monday, June 3rd, 2017

Over the weekend, the national discussion has centered around the ongoing feud between the news media and President Trump, with both sides claiming the other has acted rudely and inappropriately. Words, like intentions, are a funny thing; our own always seem righteous, warranted, and true while others’ are judgmental, rude, or even hateful. To sin is human, and none of us will ever be perfect in the way we communicate with each other. That said, there is no excuse for not striving to emulate the one who is perfect – Jesus. In his first letter, Peter recalls Psalm 34 in his urging his audience to do good and not repay evil with evil, as Jesus did. He says, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” What is each of our goal in life? To love life and see good days. Peter gives us the prescription for a way to do that: watch your mouth. Conflict in life often stems from nothing more than words, and then can either be resolved or escalated by the next words we utter. Today, think back to situations in your life that have escalated out of your control because of words you said. If you are able, reach out to those you have hurt, regardless if they have hurt you, and apologize. Pray for the strength to resist sinful speech and forgive those who have attacked or hurt you.

“Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.” – 1 Peter 3:10 NIV