Controlling what I say is not only hard… it’s virtually impossible!  But I’m asking God to help me not say things that sting or slight others… and I have never taken on a task that is any harder!  Over the last two weeks I’ve been listening with different ears to myself, those around me… and I’ve noticed something.  We all say things that sting others… regularly.  Not only that, we all say things that we shouldn’t.  Jesus calls these things “careless/idle words” for which we will give an account.

I heard a story about a lady who survived Auschwitz (At the end of this video).  She was taken there with her family when she was 15 years old.  She was seperated from her parents and never saw them again.  She rode the train with her 8 year old brother to the camp.  While in the boxcar with him she noticed he didn’t have any shoes.  As an older sister might do, she scoled him… “What’s wrong with you?!  Can’t you keep your things together?!  How could you lose your shoes?!” 

He didn’t make it through the camp and those were the last words she ever spoke to him.  When she was liberated a few years later she made a vow.  She decided,  “I will never say anything that can’t stand as the last thing I ever say…”  (Pause) Now consider Ephesians 4:29…

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths…”  “No”: None… at all… ever.  Not in humor… not to make a point with someone… not when they insult you.  Not to “win” an argument… not when you’ve been hurt… not when you feel justified.

Does it build up?  Is it appropriate?  Does it give grace to those listening?  If the answers are yes… say it.  If not… don’t.  The best thing I’ve found is not to talk as much as I used to…

God help me!