26/365: Speak Life

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ~ James 1:26

Who wants to hang around with a bunch of complainers? Nobody... except complainers.

How did Jesus use His words? He was direct, life-giving, honest, and encouraging. These are the things which build our witness to God within us when we speak.

Let your words be powerful, strong, and encouraging to the people around you. Speak life. Bless others.

Who will you bless today with your words? Who will you bless by saying nothing at all?

GO DEEPER: Ephesians 4: 25-32

NEXT STEP: Send a text message to someone on your mind. Share a word of encouragement, gratitude for their friendship, or how they have blessed you lately.

Greg Nickel

on 01/27/2023 at 10:42 AM

I am writing this on Friday. but I wanted to say that this came at a good time, I started a 5 day Bible study on the same subject, the tongue. I have been doing really well the last 5 years of thinking before speaking and my anger is under control. yet, while my anger is in cut check I have been shooting from the hip when talking fast too much instead of thinking it through. needed this bonus incentive to duvet it home.

James

on 01/26/2023 at 09:52 PM

Dan, you make a point. There does seem to be a fair amount of softness here. On the other hand I don't diminish the message about complaining. It's a waste of time. I think the better approach is to live life with purpose and to do it actively and confidently. if I complain some, that's ok (I'm human) as long as I make every effort to stay the course. That's my take on what the message should...

Rich Hughen

on 01/26/2023 at 09:26 PM

Amen, Ashley! “Attitude of Gratitude” absolutely sets the stage for any given day! Give thanks for the things God has done and continues to do in our midst!

Kevin Miller

on 01/26/2023 at 07:26 PM

When I focus on the positive things tend to go a lot better. When I focus on the negative I get angry and upset easily. I lived like that for a long time and finally got tired of it. On my own I can’t control it but thankfully God can.

Cam Carter

on 01/26/2023 at 06:47 PM

While I have never been much of a complainer, I think it’s part of the innate human experience to have moments of struggling with this. To me, it is impossible to complain when your thinking is “kingdom-minded”, and looking at the big picture in things. I think it’s much easier to brush off bad traffic, frustrating co-workers, etc. when you are looking at the big picture of God’s direction for our lives. A true man of God has perspective.

Dan james

on 01/26/2023 at 06:37 PM

What about the masculine side of Jesus instead of this hippy soft bullcrap

Ethan Rogers

on 01/26/2023 at 05:50 PM

I can't complain, even if I did, it would do no good, only to fuel the negative and expose my heart to distress and not the solution. Some say it's venting and therefore therapeutic. It still doesn't add to repair of the complaint. God is definitely the answer for me. When I trust in God to give me strength and courage to persevere the empty, useless feelings of harm. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace.

John Beales

on 01/26/2023 at 04:04 PM

@Ashley Jarvis…you are so right! I had a huge disappointment in with my art ministry yesterday. I was hurt but most of all disappointed. I was tempted to be angry and strike out at the issue but the Holy Spirit has kept me in line and I’ve been seeing all of the good things that have come from the ministry that God has provided. So, yes all it takes is to count your blessings. God bless

Lavelle Livingston

on 01/26/2023 at 03:15 PM

This speaks to me today. My marriage is on the brink because I did not keep a tight rein on my tongue. A month ago I read about Nehemiah and his great prayer of earnestness and vulnerability. Well a couple of days ago sitting in my room, I began to cry and pray. I didn't know what else to do to save my marriage. So I prayed to the Lord and confessed my sins. I asked him to show me how I was wrong not just in my marriage but in my life and now he has put me on that path. It was the most vulnerable I have ever been. I will be a better man for it. I believe it's Romans 12:9-13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.

Bobby

on 01/26/2023 at 03:14 PM

In the profession I'm in, I hope I have made a positive impact on young men and women throughout the years. Lord, please guide me as I continue on through life's journey as I work to be the best version of myself for those who count on me.

Tim Debronsky

on 01/26/2023 at 02:51 PM

Thank you Lord for all of my blessings. Help me to be build someone up today with positive encouragement. I am blessed to be a blessing to others. Amen

Boyce Moses

on 01/26/2023 at 02:06 PM

As I look around at how blessed I am and the many joys God has brought into my life, it is ridiculous to complain. Complaining does nothing but take my attention from all that God has done for me. Love you Jesus! 🧡💚💙❤️

Ashley Jarvis

on 01/26/2023 at 01:58 PM

An “attitude of gratitude” is the antidote to every negative emotion we might experience. There is a reason we are to give praise, worship, and glory to God. Think about the last time temptation came… had you stopped, written a list of all that you can think of you’re grateful for, would you still find yourself tempted? If I am complaining about something, that means I am ignoring all the good in and around me. If I am complaining about a person, it means I am ignoring all the good that is in them. A situation, I am ignoring all the possible positives that may butterfly from it. Lust, I am ignoring who is in my life, the joy and love and pleasure they bring me. A gratitude list, worship music, prayers of thanks to God, remembering all the times God carried me and loved ones through… The fact that I’m even alive to experience whatever hard times may come, is a blessing. God, help me to stay focused on your countless blessings in my life, the first breath I was granted when I woke up this morning, to listening to my kids getting ready for their day as I type this, and in every single moment that today brings, I give thanks to you. Amen 🙏🏻

Brandon Pembleton

on 01/26/2023 at 01:56 PM

I can easily fall into the loop of complaining about this and that while doing nothing. I literally was in that loop from October through December about my place of work. I was resentful and went from gratitude to resentment and complaining. It accomplished absolutely nothing but keep me in a negative space. I started praying really hard for God to come into my worklife and show me the path like he had done in my personal life. I lightbulb finally went off thanks to God's loving hand. If I really don't like the way my workplace is why don't I work my butt off to climb up the ladder so that God can use me to better it for those around me. not for my own personal glory (turns out this motivation always fizzles for me fairly quickly) but for His. His will and betterment. That's the reason to climb up into leadership - to be a great support of colleagues to help them better themselves in worklife and set an example of a God driven life. It'll be a long path there but doing it for God will make it joyful work and has already switched my mind into gratitude that I am fortunate with my career and that fortune must be turned over to God to use for good to burn out the dark. I am always in your debt God thank you and I love you amen.

Damon

on 01/26/2023 at 01:42 PM

Complaining has always been a pet peeve to hear when others do it, however I find myself doing it when I don’t get my way at times. Holy spirit help me to be conscious of my mouth and goes I speak soo that I might not ruin a process, lesson or blessing you’re taking me to

Damon

on 01/26/2023 at 01:41 PM

Complaining

Rick K

on 01/26/2023 at 01:24 PM

Been reading this devo off and on for a while now. Don't comment much, but just want to say that I appreciate you guys and your transparency. God's resurrection power is evident in some of your posts. You have been an encouragement to me. Praying for more of God's wisdom, understanding and power in your lives.

26/365: Speak Life

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