A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly. Prov. 15:1-2
Lord Jesus, as with all the Scriptures, this passage makes us immediately think of you. No one is fuller of gentleness and kindness than you. Your heart and words are always grace-full, healing, and life-giving. You are committed to free us, never shame us.
Even when we come into your presence with more fear than faith, and more complaining than thanking, you always welcome us. You’re not only gracious with “bruised reeds and smoldering wicks.” You are altogether merciful when, like Jonah, we’re pouty, angry, and self-absorbed. Thank you, Lord.
In this current stressful season, we’re feeling a full range of emotions. Uncertainty, fear, not-knowing-what’s-next, confusion… all of these things are a recipe for putting our words in gear before our hearts are engaged. Our family, neighbors, and friends pay the price.
Jesus, as you spoke our world into existence, and spoke the Gospel to our hearts and we came alive, so speak beauty, gentleness, and compassion deep into our souls. For our hearts are the fountain of our words.
Forgive us for channeling our stress by speaking unkind, unhelpful words to those around us. Forgive us when we spew words of reaction rather than offer words of redemption.
As the tongue has the power of life and death, please help us use our words to encourage and bless, heal and help others on this March Friday. Grant us quick repentances when we choose otherwise. Thank you for your patience with us, Jesus. So very Amen we pray, in your ever-so-glorious name.