Remove from your midst . . . malicious speech. (Isaiah 58:9)
It can be easy to think these words don’t apply to us.At one time or another, we have all thought and said spiteful things like this. But all is not lost! Jesus has the power to help us treat people with the same love and respect that he has for us. In fact, he promises to help us if we cry out to him.
Of course, this doesn’t happen overnight. Often we need to look at why we say the things we say. And that’s where Jesus comes in. He helps us look inside our hearts to see the root causes of our hurtful speech.
Because that’s where a lot of it comes from. Ask any counselor, and they will tell you that people who have been hurt often hurt other people. Or they will tell you that our hurtful words tend to arise from our own self-centered desires and our frustration that people aren’t treating us the way we think we deserve.
Maybe you are struggling with unforgiveness or resentment. Or maybe a wound from your past continues to affect some of your relationships. Or maybe you just want what you want—and right away! Whatever the case, Jesus can help you. He can shine his light into your heart and convince you that he has your life in his hands—so you don’t have to lash out. You don’t have to go on the attack or become extra defensive because Christ is more than capable of caring for you. He is more than able to heal your hurts and strengthen your heart.
We often think that Lent is a time when we do things for God. But it’s also a time when God wants to do things for us. So ask him to help you put away unkind remarks and reactions. If you slip up, think about what may have caused you to act in that way. Then ask Jesus to heal you—and trust that he can.
“Jesus, heal my heart so that I speak only words of love, encouragement, and mercy.”
Sol.Fiona