We all like to be right.
We hate to be wrong.
We will sit afterwards and think about how we’re right.
We have thought afterwards how they should just listen.
We’ve all experienced this at some point.
Can I be honest with you?
Like really transparent without you jumping on me?
Okay.
Well… I mess up.
I say the wrong things too.
I sometimes speak when God would like me to be quiet.
I’m not perfect, but I want to live in holiness.
I want that because God calls me to that.
“Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
Ever been in a “Open Mouth/Insert Foot” kind of moment ?
Or, been on the receiving end of someone who has?
I’d encourage you with these things:
Say You’re Sorry. It cannot take back what you’ve said, but it can go a long way to mending broken relationships. Uttering the words, “I’m sorry” go a long way. Learn to use that in relationships to show your heart and disarm the hurt.
Show Grace & Believe The Best. No matter what happens in life, you’re going to have a moment where you say the wrong thing, react the wrong way, or believe something that isn’t true. Others will do it as well. Since we all mess up, we’re all in need of grace. Let’s believe the best about each other and not the worst. It’s hard to do, but when practiced, is amazingly beautiful.
Trust People. Trusting others is huge. I’ve been hurt. You’ve been hurt. We’ve all been hurt before. Hurt tells us that people are generally out to get us. Trust tells us that people at their core aren’t as malicious as the hurt tries to convince us of. Believe in trust, push away the hurt. Hurt will lead to more hurt.
Focus On God’s Counsel. When in doubt, go to the Bible. What does He tell us about speaking and listening? How should we encounter others when things are difficult? How do we face criticism? Now, I’m not perfect at this at all. I’m willing to bet you aren’t either. We all have room to grow. So, here are some passages that look at how you, me, and everyone can listen to God and allow Him to revolutionize our words, heart, and talking with others…
Proverbs 15:1-2
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.
Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Proverbs 23:16
My inmost being will exalt when your lips speak what is right.
Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
1 John 4:19-21
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,†and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Ecclesiastes 5:2Â
Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.
