Originally published Monday, 31 October 2016.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
Have you ever been in a situation when you received a text message, and you were like, “WHAT?!” At least, that’s what you thought in your mind, right? Or how about that text that comes through as if someone is demanding something from you or asking you to do something that you just don’t want to say a wholehearted smiley-face, “Yes!” towards? Well, before you send them how you really feel, pause and consider before you send THAT text!
You know what text I’m talking about. The one when you want to send a strong, “NO!” Or “I’m exhausted, are you kidding me?!” Or “Didn’t I tell you that already?” No, no, no, sis. We can’t do it! At least not that way. And the reason why is because it’s all about having the proper response…even through a text message.
God would want us to. Don’t get me wrong. I know it can be hard sending that sweet, cookie-pie response back, but thank God you have time to think over your response before you hit the send button. And the reason why this is so important, is because we want to still possess godly character and maintain good relationships (whether that’s in person, email, in-box, direct messaging, post on Facebook, tweet on Twitter, or through a text message).
The truth of the matter is that people can sense your emotions through the words of your text. They can pick up whether you’re angry, aggravated, disappointed, or even emotional (especially if it’s in ALL CAPS). They can also pick up when you’re happy, excited, pumped up about something, or giving God a high praise! Amen! All of these emotions, whether good or bad can come through your text. But the point here in this week’s post is that we please God through the messages we send out as Christian women.
In all actuality, words have power! Proverbs 18:21 states, “Life and death is in the power of the tongue.” You can speak life by texting positive words back to someone or kill the whole conversation (or worse...stain your character). That’s why we have to use our words wisely and kindly.
The Bible also tells us in Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.” And let's not forget about Proverbs 31:26 which says, "When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." Meaning, when you respond softly vs. roughly (or emotionally), it can turn the whole situation around for the better. It actually brings calm to the conversation. So think about what you’re going to say before you type it.
Remember the familiar saying, “Before it becomes an action, it starts in the mind.” I really believe that to be true. That is why my dear sister, we are going to have to continue renewing our minds with the Word of God, even as it relates to something as simple as sending out a text message.
Personally, I have received text messages when I just wanted to tell someone how I really felt. I’m being truly transparent here. I’m not in love with every single one of them that comes across my phone screen. Especially, the one when I’m in the check-out line at the grocery store (almost done putting everything on the belt) and my husband texts me saying, “I need some ice tea and deodorant.” Grrrr!!! That’s when I have to take a deep breath and type a kind and submissive, “Ok.” LOL!
Sometimes you just have to send something as simple as, “Ok.” And afterwards, work through your emotions. What I had to do with the above situation was breathe, mumble to myself, “Lord help me,” and then make a mad dash for the tea and deodorant! At the end of the day, the overall result was the right text and a happy husband. But not only that, I later had some sweet iced tea and a clean-smelling man! All because I chose to have the proper response. Are you getting this?
Listen sis, I know it’s great to receive the good text messages with the hearts, silly faces, and smiles. You know, the ones that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. Those are the ones that we tend to respond back really well on. If we were graded, we’d get an A+! However, it’s the pop quizzes that sometimes gets us the failing grade. It’s the not-so-good ones that make our heads spin or make us want to say something back that we shouldn’t say. Yet, those are also the messages that we need to pray about before we take any action.
That’s right. Pray, think it over first, and ask God for wisdom in how you should respond to whatever comes through to you…before you start typing. Because trust me. You don’t want to say something that you’ll regret or have to apologize for later.
So just breathe. Pray about how you need to respond and watch your emotions while your fingers are doing the talking. Again, it’s all about having the proper response and pleasing God...before you send THAT text.
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
NOTE: If you've sent out a bad text message recently, just repent, sis. Don't beat yourself up about it. Trust me, I know all about it. Instead, confess your response to God and ask Him to forgive you. Then try to make it right with the person (if you haven't already done so). Remember, there is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
QUESTION: Was this helpful? Are you struggling in this area? Let me know here or via email @ insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I'll join you in prayer about it.
***TUESDAY NIGHT (November 1, 2016), JOIN me on Facebook LIVE (on Inside Out with Courtnaye) for "Let's Talk" @ 8:30pm (CST). I'll be talking about, "On the Other Side of Waiting." Find out what it looks like on the other side of your waiting season. And for those who are on the other side now, discover how to manage what you've finally received well. Talk to you soon...LIVE!
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