Think first!

For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. —  Matthew 1236

In 1980, Lee Atwater, a political campaign manager, inflicted terrible pain with his words. His staff learned that an opposing congressional candidate from South Carolina had once experienced severe depression and undergone electric shock therapy. When Atwater released the information to the press, it humiliated the candidate and cast doubt on his ability. In anguish, the man questioned Atwater’s campaign ethics. Atwater responded by saying that he had no intention of responding to a man “hooked up to a jumper cable.”

Ten years later, Atwater was afflicted with an incurable brain tumor. He was confined to bed, attached to machines and tubes. Before he died, he wrote the candidate a letter and asked to be forgiven. He saw how cruel and heartless his words had been.

Our words can be just as devastating. And it seems that it’s our children or family or fellow believers whom we hurt the most. As believers in Christ, we have an obligation before God to evaluate the impact of our words. Idle, angry, hateful words can inflict great harm, for which we will be held accountable (Matt. 12:36-37).

Ask God for help. Before hurtful words come pouring out of your mouth, think first — then leave them unsaid.  — Dave Egner

Use words of kindness, filled with love,

That heal and nourish life

Instead of hurling angry words

That wound and stir up strife. — Sper

READ: Matthew 12:33-37

Think before you act; think twice before you speak.

The Bible in one year:

• Job 14-17