Originally published Friday, 12 October 2018.
My father reminded me of this prayer that he learned in Sunday School. The words of this prayer have stuck with him all these years because it tells him that words are precious, and once said they couldn't be unsaid. It may be why he appears quiet and tries to be so careful when he speaks. But he also acknowledged that we've all made mistakes with our words.
Prayer for Daily Grace- by John George Fleet
Words are things of little cost
Quickly spoken, quickly lost;
Witnesses at God’s right hand,
And their testimony bear
For us, or against us there.
Oh, how often ours have been
Idle words and words of sin!
Words of anger, scorn or pride
Or deceit, our faults to hide,
Envious tales of strife unkind
Leaving bitter thoughts behind.
Grant us Lord from day to day,
Strength to watch and grace to pray:
May our lips, from sin kept free,
Love to speak and sing of thee
Till in heaven we learn to raise
Hymns of everlasting praise.
We've all made mistakes with our words. Give it over to God in prayer and seek forgiveness. Be quick to apologize so that broken relationships are mended. Spend time with Him, so that it becomes evident Who controls every part of you, including your mouth.
Going forward, I'm sure I'll always hear his voice in my head saying, "Words are things of little cost, quickly spoken, quickly lost" in that very strong Bajan accent.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19 [NLT]
Are you careful with your words? Is there something you do that cautions you before you speak? If you were reckless with your words, what do you do to correct the situation?
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