Open Mouth, Insert Foot

So many times, I have found myself suffering from foot in mouth disease. Too often, I have spoken out of turn or said something out of anger, not considering my words or the affect they would have on the other person. It's like the filter between my brain and my mouth gets clogged with emotion and before I can stop it, the words come tumbling out. The look of "where the heck did that come from" on the other person's face leaves me wishing I could scoop up the words and have a do over.

People are emotional beings and sometimes, emotions get the best of us. In our anger, we sometimes react with stinging tones and biting words; in our pain, we sometimes snap at those who care about us and in our need to help we sometimes speak when we should be listening. I'm guilty of all of these. It's not that I ever intended to say something to hurt another person, I just didn't think before I spoke. I didn't give my heart a chance to catch up with what my brain was thinking and my mouth was spilling.

I've been on the receiving end of this as well and let's face it, uncensored reactions and words can hurt. There was a time when I would have gone with my initial reaction to become angry and oh the grudge I would hold. But, in my Christian walk, I've learned a spirit of understanding, and realize the imperfection of human nature making it easier to be forgiving.

We are called to encourage and uplift one another with our words. In the same way we are called to speak with honesty, seasoned with love and compassion. It is very easy to allow our own emotions and thoughts to overshadow anothers feelings. Words can be either a powerful weapon of destruction or a powerful tool of empowerment. "The tongue has the power of life and death..." Proverbs 18:21. Our words, can either build up or tear down and once they are spoken, they can't be taken back.

If you like me are prone to the "foot in mouth disease", "...be quick to listen and slow to speak..." James 1:19. Choose your words not out of reaction but out of love. If you can't find words that are pleasing or loving, take that as a sign to be silent and simply listen. After all, God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason.

Finally, if words tumble out of your mouth and you find yourself choking on your big toe, take that as a sign from the Holy Spirit to shut up and by all means don't be afraid to apologize for any words or actions that may have been hurtful. A friend will be understanding. "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
This act of humility will go along way to taming our tongues.

When you feel the need to speak, gauge your emotions, choose your words carefully and speak only in a manner that is seasoned with love. If you trip on your tongue, be quick to apologize and if you are on the receiving end of hurtful words, be quicker to forgive. "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all type of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:29, 31-32

Until next time, I'm going to get a pedicure!
God Bless,
Cat