Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up…

God, you say when words are many, sin is not absent (Proverbs 10:19). I spoke too many words today – harsh, tearing down words – and I cannot get them back. Out of my heart’s overflow, they came before I stopped to measure the crushing weight of their impact. Out they came, in an instant, destroying the trust that had taken so much grace, time, and intentionality to build. Oh Father, forgive me for being quick to speak and slow to listen (James 1:19). I beg for your strength to help me hold my tongue until I can respond in gentleness. When words do come, help me not break the spirit of the hearer, but to speak with the life and grace that is found in you (Proverbs 15:4).

…as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Jesus, you came and gave of yourself and gifted me with grace far beyond what I deserve. There were times you could have defended yourself, but you remained silent (Matthew 26:63); times you were oppressed and afflicted, yet you did not open your mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Help me to default to your servant-leader, grace-filled ways when I speak, for you oppose the proud, but give grace to the humble (James 4:6). Oh God, I’m so sorry; it breaks my heart that my words could grieve your Spirit. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (Psalm 51:10).

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

God, I’ve held onto bitterness for far too long. I don’t want anger or resentment to take root in my heart and crowd out the fruit of your Spirit in me. Search me, oh God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting (Psalm 139:23-24). Instead of anger in me, let there be love. Instead of despair, let there be joy. Instead of conflict, let there be peace. Instead of frustration, let there be patience. Instead of hatred, let there be kindness. Instead of evil, let there be goodness. Instead of deceit, let there be faithfulness. Instead of harshness, let there be gentleness. Instead of chaos, let there be self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Instead of me, let there be more of you.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Father, thank you for forgiving me and transforming me to be more like you! In a cold and unforgiving world, keep my heart tender towards the things of you. Through the power of Your Spirit in me, let me open my mouth with wisdom, and let the teaching of kindness be on my tongue (Proverbs 31:26). Your patience and compassion towards me are astounding, Jesus. It’s your kindness that leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). May my words bring your love, hope, healing, and reconciliation to those I encounter today.At His feet,

*Let’s Talk: Our words matter. If you prayed this prayer today, would you simply type “Amen” in the comments below? Together, let’s take it to the Lord in prayer.

Week 2 Challenge: This week, pay attention to the words you replay in your mind and speak to yourself. Focus on having self-talk conversations that are loving and more geared toward Philippians 4:8.

Reading Plan

Memory Verse

Did you know when you purchase a Love God Greatly journal you are helping us:

1. Create more ongoing Bible studies.
2. Allow us to generously give God’s Word away around the world, equipping women, small churches and ministries who would otherwise not be able to afford these valuable Bible studies.

THANK YOU for your partnership and support! TOGETHER we are helping to change the world…one Bible study, one translation, one woman at a time!

Grab your new journal today in our online store!

Looking for our online Bible study group to join? You can find our Love God Greatly Online Bible Study group here!

WhitneyD