THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Ecclesiastes 3:7

In our choice of words we must steer clear of any expressions that could be perceived as not characteristic of a true Christian.

A mother fell under conviction because of her habit of berating her nine-year old son. Often she would lose her temper and say things to him she knew were deeply hurtful to his self-image and to her relationship with him. On her knees she made a vow to God that she would never say anything demeaning to him again. She had hardly finished her prayer when the front door opened and slammed shut, shaking the whole house. Billy was home from school. The mother felt a flood of anger sweep over her. "How many times have I told him not to slam that door?"

Billy came into the den where she was and, without a word, threw his lunch pail on the floor. Before she could respond to his seeming defiance, he ran down the hallway into his bedroom and deliberately slammed that door.

"I'm going to get that kid," she said. "He knows better than that." She rushed down the hallway, her temper raging, angry words ready to fly out of her mouth. As she put her hand on the bedroom door, the voice of God arrested her. "Didn't you just make a vow to me that you would never again verbally abuse your son?"

"Yes, Lord, but .... "

"Then take your hand off that door, stand there for a moment, and let me give you strength." She felt her anger receding and a calmness flowing into her.

After a few minutes, she quietly opened the bedroom door. Billy was lying across his bed, face down, sobbing softly. She sat down beside him and rubbed his back. Finally he looked up and wiped the tears from his cheeks.

"What's the matter, son?" she gently asked.

"Mom, this has been the worst day of my life. My best friend told me he didn't like me anymore, and I flunked my math test."

On that day a mother and her son learned a lesson of life that would forever enhance their relationship. "The tongue has the power of life and death."