“The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that comforts the weary” (Isa. 50:4). “What you say flows from what is in your heart” (Luke 6:45). “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).
Lord Jesus, what if… what if our hearts were full-to-overflowing with these three things? (1) The assurance of your unwavering, only-grace-can-explain-it love for us. (2) Humility fueled from realizing you know our worse and never wince, or regret saving us. (3) Peace anchored in your sovereign rule over all things, and your unrelenting commitment to work in all things for our good.
Jesus, if these three realities filled our hearts, the flow and overflow would radically shape how we speak to others. Our words would comfort the weary and heal the hurting—even disarm the angry. For “a gentle tongue can break a bone” (Prov.25:15. Gentleness is 1000 times more powerful than harshness.
Your kindness first led us to repentance, and it continues to do so. Our reactionary snarkiness will only lead others to shame, shutdown, or snarkiness coming right back at us. We really don’t want that, Jesus. What we do want is to honor you.
So fill us with your Holy Spirit afresh. Lord Jesus, enable us to see you sitting comfortably and joyfully atop your throne of grace, vested with authority over every personal crisis, family challenge, and threat to life as you designed it—over everything that robs us of sleep, peace, and hope. So Very Amen.