Be slow to speak! Be slow to speak! Be slow to speak! Be slow to speak! Be slow to speak ….
Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, I feel much better. People often look at me and assume I have it all together. Sometimes I find I am in constant battle with myself.
I sit and think about how to prove my point, how I’m right and the other person is wrong, why I’m right and they are wrong, and I need for the other person to know why I’m right and they’re wrong!
I know it sounds insane, but hey, I’m not perfect. I’ve learned not to pretend to be.
How does one cope with this behavior? Why do I constantly feel the whole world needs to know how I feel about me being right, having the last word, or getting my point across? Why do I need to “speak my mind”?
For over a year, I read James 1:19 every single day; several times a day. When I want to “explode” or “snap off”, I grab my cell phone, go to the calendar and read James 1:19.
When my children are screaming and tearing up my house, which is often, and I think I am about to lose my mind, my kids have witnessed me charging through the house to grab my notebook so I could read these words: “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”
Does this seem to be a bit much? NOT to me. I have consciously made every effort to close my mouth and think before I speak. Why? Because, there have been times I have spoken too soon and offended my sisters and brothers. There have been occasions I blatantly spoke “my” truth without any regard to the other person’s feelings.
It’s not always what you say, but how you say it. And it is NOT about being “politically correct” either. Whenever possible, one should never offend.
Take a moment to think about what you want to say, evaluate your true motives and then proceed to speak. This will not only humble you and stop you from saying things you should not, but also it will help you to keep malice out of your heart.
I won’t profess to be perfect at this, but I am getting better with developing positive relationships and straying away from speaking negatively. It appears my hasty tongue may have been the root of a lot of my problems.
Take it from me be slow to speak and hold your peace.
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Gurls Talk’n 
This blog is right on!! Just the other day my coworkers and I were speaking on this topic.
They insisted one must speak whatever is on his or her mind. They said to me, “no Ms. Karen, you’ve got to say what’s on your mind”.
Well, I wish I had this blog at that time to share with them. First thing Monday morning, I will, lol.
Great job Chris!!!
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Thank you Momma K! I love that idea about showing them this blog. Sometimes it’s easier to show others rather than telling them.
Love you!
Chris
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Great read.
Be slow to speak
I’ve learned that when we are communicating with each other each party should ask how is what I am saying benefiting the party I am speaking to for their growth. How what they are saying is benefiting me for my growth and how will we take how we’ve grow and benefit the good works of GOD. If we all remind ourselves of this before we communicate and apply it we will manage not to offend but to grow. Love it and love you thank you for sharing be well
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Thanks so much for your comment! Yessss, I try to do the same and think about how my words will impact someone else’s feelings. People often say that I’m quiet and a lot of people may even view me as weak because I choose my words wisely. But the reality of the matter is that it takes much more strength to keep quiet (pray) and hold my peace. Furthermore, I’ve been trying to really focus on my heart and to cast down any evil thoughts when they arise.
Be well beautiful and keep letting your light shine. Love you very much!!
Chris
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