My first solution was to just stay quiet. Don't say anything. Keep to myself and shut up. If someone asks for my opinion I won't give it. But then I thought I would be limiting myself. I hate not being able to be me and not being able to express myself. But censoring yourself does not mean you have to lose yourself.
People always say think before you speak, that's definitely a true statement. But for me I not only have to think about what I want to say but the effect I want to have on the person I'm speaking to. If my goal in life is to be kind and loving the words I speak must exude just that. Kindness and love.
I can't go back and keep apologizing for the words I have said but I can change how I speak from this moment on
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
We ALL are guilty of putting our mouths in gear before taking the time to neutralize our minds/hearts and be receptive of others perception of our words. While words can be POWERFUL, a lot also rides on the deeds, character and positive qualities that persons exhibit. We should not stifle our thoughts - speech is a gift and a right. Sometime we must stop, listen, take time to be aware of life around us. Say what we mean, and mean what we say - but often time may be easier to remember, once the words come out (whether defensive, offensive, complimentary or abrasive) they are OUT - no apology can truly put them back. The blow may be softened but long term relationship, perceptions may have already formed. Old adages were,' get thick skin, suck it up, they didn't really mean it ' - another old adage 'better to have others think of you as....then to open your mouth and remove all doubts'. Really, whether we use adages, apologies, we are all Unique and we should not stifle our gift and right. Sometime we just have to temper HOW our thoughts are brought to life in words and ask the Lord to keep watch over our thoughts, deeds and WORDS. Another great post and thought provoking topic. Thanks
ReplyDeleteThis is a good one. We all have had this issue before. It's just easy to let emotions take over. This is something to think about! So hard... God gave us two ears and one mouth. Ponder that!
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