THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Lord, you have trusted us with the power of words. We can use this great power to encourage those without hope, strengthen the brokenhearted, speak the truth to the spiritual darkness, comfort the afflicted. Importantly, our words point others to you, Jesus,

Often, someone has said the right words when I needed them most, and the words lifted my spirits. Likewise, my words can bring healing to a wounded soul or offer hope to the desperate. However, I must be careful with this power. Merely by speaking, I can destroy someone, socially, emotionally, and spiritually, without laying a hand on them. I read James’ timeless truth.

“No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! (James 3:8–10 NLT).

Lord, forgive me. I’m guilty of violating this truth. I’ve spewed verbal venom not only at others, but also at myself. This is how I beat myself up, to pay penitence, after I’ve failed you. I call myself all sorts of nasty, ungodly names—things you do not see in me.

Just like clockwork, your grace comes through—again. You call me righteous, holy, redeemed among other grace-laced superlatives. Flawed? Much so. Forgiven? By your grace, yes. Yet, you call me your dearly loved child. Amazing!

Jesus, I will say I am who you say I am. Amen.