Can you remember a time when you were hurt by someone’s cruel words? Do you remember how you felt: hurt, angry or revengeful?  Now, think about a time when you were reassured by the soft words of a person who was not influenced negatively by your strong emotions. Remember how those gentle words help keep the peace and protected the relationship?

Encouraging words can defuse a situation that could quickly escalate into serious conflict. On the other hand, hateful comments can wound deeply and cause someone to struggle for years to overcome carelessly uttered statements.  It would be a good practice for us to “place a guard over our mouth” and become good stewards of our tongue. Let us not callously hurt people because we lack self-control. Let’s govern our speech by not allowing the actions of others entice us to weaponize our words. When people express anger, we are often tempted to respond negatively. But remember a soft answer is the correct response. It can turn away wrath. If we pause for a moment and think about what we want to say, it may avert an argument and preserve the relationship.

Let us pray to overcome the temptation to use our words harshly. Father God help us to guard our mouths so our words may be tools for healing and not weapons to hurt. Help us to turn away any bitterness or wrath with a soft and gentle answer. In Jesus name, Amen!