Balance Life’s Demands with Grace
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.—JAMES 1:26 NIV
Perhaps you’ve had a hard time balancing your faith and your work. Maybe the person you’re caring for pushes you to the very limit, causing you to spout off when you should just retreat and pray.
Oh, the tongue! What a wonderful, yet dangerous, tool it is. It can be used both to bless and to curse (James 3:10). And when you’re caring for someone in need, particularly if you’re exhausted, it’s not uncommon for your tongue to get away from you. You might find yourself saying things you know you shouldn’t or reacting in an ugly way.
If you’re struggling with sharp retorts or language laced with bitterness, ask the Lord to tame your tongue. If you don’t get it under control, then your religion is worthless, according to the scripture above.
Folks are watching how you react, both in good times and in bad. Keep that temper in check. Guard your words. A tame tongue reacts only in love.
Father, please tame my tongue! Help me not to react so swiftly. Please guard my words, and give me Your words to speak over every situation.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.—Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV)
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.—2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.—2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)