As we go into the week ahead it would be easy for us to continue to be discouraged by the recent and heartbreaking turn of events that have occurred across the country. It’s relevant news and the media is consumed with reporting every negative detail they can.
Between reporters providing a barrage of information that is a mixture of truth and uncertainty, and social media blowing up with hate spewing posts, many of us have been forced to basically take a break from screen time.
It’s been difficult to wrap our heads around the thousands of negative comments posted. It has also left us wondering if people believe those horrible, defile, and obscene thoughts contribute to making lives better? We know that our society is broken and a mess. No need to keep reminding us.
Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to, ‘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.’
It’s so important to store up these treasured words in our hearts to protect us from none other than ourselves.
I’ve also been thankful for the hundreds of posts that speak of peace, truth, love, kindness, concern, and forgiveness for everyone involved.
Just when life seems to take on some normalcy we are caught off guard again, deepening the weariness and divide that lingers over us like a thunder cloud. How has it come to this? How does one tragic or hate-filled event after another make anything better?
There’s no doubt we have once again been sucker punched, right down to our core, and our state, our nation and numerous families have been impacted.
God wants us to love unconditionally just like Him. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says, ‘To never underestimate the power of speaking with love.’
It’s during times of tragedy that we must stand united, concerned for ALL citizens if we are to make progress and a difference.
We are not perfect and there’s no need to pretend we are. There was only one perfect man and He died for us on the cross to cover our sins. What He wants is for us to aspire to be like Him.
So in the days ahead choose to be gracious and forgive. Overlook the insensitive, uncalled for, and even sometimes vicious remarks. I know it is through God’s grace that we can do this. And we are thankful that He gives us more grace than any of us deserve.
God’s word tells us in Matthew 7:12, ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.’ That is the golden rule. What a glorious way to live in if we all practiced this on a daily basis.
I believe the lesson takeaway for all of us is to create a kinder, loving, and gentler place to live.
5 ways to make your words matter
- Always speak words of grace, truth, love, and kindness.
- Keep your friends and family members close to you. Think before you speak or act. Avoid bouts of jealousy or feelings of entitlement. Each person is valued and brings something special to the relationship. And you never know which one of them will be needed down the road.
- Refrain from being judgmental at all times. You will be amazed at how much lighter your life load will be without the extra baggage.
- Remember our ability to extend grace goes far beyond our human capacity. God gives us what we need, when we need it the most.
- And finally, think about what you post publicly. Your words are there for all to see. They can be deleted, but not before the damage is done.
I’m praying for us to be covered by God’s hand of protection and that He will guard our lips and our actions in the days to come so that we only speak and model truth, love, and kindness.
Blessing & Hugs.
Mitzi
Powerful words, absolutely what we need to be focused on. Thanks for being a inspiration to us all in these scary times.