Text: James 3:2-6
Memory verse:
âThere is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.â Proverbs⏠â12âŹ:â18âŹ
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Thomas Jefferson once said, âWhen you are angry, count ten before you speak; if very angry, count a hundredâ. I have seen many exciting marriages and friendships turned bitter and others torn apart by sharp edges of angry words. Most often, the angry spouse would have forgotten and the anger passed but the words can continue to scar the victim for years. âRash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise.â ââ(Prov⏠â12âŹ:â18⏠âMSGâŹâŹ). If you have ever touched a hot stove and then pulled your hand off immediately, you will notice that it still stings, even weeks later. The effects of angry, critical, abusive and unkind words last longer than when they were uttered, so always ensure you taste your words before you spit them out.
Words have creative power and can create your world. Words are seeds that are sown when spoken out. Never threaten your spouse with divorce or separation. âThe next time you try it again, just consider the marriage as overâ. âI have lost my last reserve of love for youâ. âI am finished with youâ. These kind of negative words give the devil a foothold over your relationship. Negative words are evil reports (Num 13:32). You ignorantly permit the devil to afflict and attack your marriage when you utter such words. Yes, anger is God-inbuilt emotion but donât abuse it. Yes, sometimes we are going to get angry but donât let loose all your anger. Donât lose your temper (Prov 29:11). It is easier to swallow up angry words than to have to lick them back later. A Chinese proverb paints it like this, âIf you are patient in the moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrowâ.
Friends, donât ruin the joy of your marriage or friendship through unpleasant, angry, rash , critical and abusive words.
Prayer points
1. Father, I plead that You forgive me for every negative word that I have spoken in anger and that You heal the wounds in the heart of the victims in Jesus name.
2. Father, I receive your grace to hold my anger and to be patient even when I am angry in Jesus name.
Todayâs declarations
1. I am not a fool because I donât lose my temper, rather I hold it.
2. Anger is God-inbuilt emotion in me so I donât abuse it or use it negatively through rash, critical, abusive or unpleasant words.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng