Sticks and Stones

Who ever said, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," must have been deaf.  I cannot tell you enough how many times my words have hurt others.  I have spoken out of anger towards people, I have said things to elevate myself over others, I have torn others down with my words, and I have sarcastically hurt people to make myself look more humorous.  Once this past summer a camper asked me why God choose to give us bad weather.  I sarcastically responded to him it was because of something he did wrong to offend God.  That was a HUGE error on my part.  I hurt him with what I said, and I ended up apologizing to him and the staff who were around me when I said that.  I felt terrible!  I read Proverbs 15 this morning and this is all I could think about.

What stood out to me today?  Verses 1 and 18 say, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger...a hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute."

Why did this stand out to me?  I have been greatly hurt by words, and I have greatly hurt with words.  My words have caused anger in others, and others' words have caused anger in me.  I really do not know why verse on anger and how my words effect situations have stood out to me lately, but God must be trying to tell me something.

How will I apply this to my life today?  I know I ca do a better job of controlling my tongue when I am angry.  As I am writing this, I am remembering a situation at work which I am involved in.  We are currently working with an agency who had over-promised and under-delivered for us, and there customer service has left us wanting.  It is easy for me to call them up and be very upset with them.  I may be justified in my anger and there may very well be a legitimate reason to by upset with them over this issue.  But, these verses in Proverbs tell me that I need to be gentle with my words, and that I need to be calm as I speak with them.  That is how I will apply this to my life today.  When I make those phone calls, I will respond in a way that tells of our frustrations with their service, while at the same time gently presenting our issues and concerns. 

What are some ways you can control your words today?

In His service, Crazy Pete