“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak”—Matthew 12:36 (ESV)

When I read the words in Matthew 12:36, I pray that God quickly convict me when this happens, so I can ask for forgiveness for it. In the evening when I go to bed, I ask to be forgiven for both known and unknown sin. It is possible that my words or actions could have unknowingly led someone further from Jesus.

A few months ago, I gave away a prayer shawl to someone who was recently widowed. I didn’t know if she was a believer, so prior to delivering it, I prayed for the Holy Spirit to divinely guide my conversation with her. I was reminded of a situation right after my first husband’s death where the words of a Christian could have really turned me in the other direction. I sure didn’t want to inadvertently do that with her.

My first husband and I had bought a house in a small East Texas town where he was going into private practice. We were doing some remodeling before we moved into it. We had purchased the home from the Baptist preacher who had retired. He and his wife were moving closer to their children. They had given us their new phone number in case we ever needed anything.

I will never forget when I called that number to speak to him a few days after John’s death.  I was desperate and searching for answers from God. Because he had been a pastor, I thought he might be able to help me. Remember, this was coming from someone who at that time didn’t even own a Bible.

His wife answered the phone. When I asked to speak to him, she told me he wasn’t home. I asked if she knew when he would be because I really had to speak to him. I could tell she was getting a little agitated with my insistence to talk to him. In exasperation, she said, is there something I can help you with?  I cried, John died.  I don’t know what to do. She replied, Lisa, you own the house. What do you want us to do?

Not quite the reaction I was expecting from the pastor’s wife when I told her my husband had just died. I thought there would be compassion in her voice. In shock and still sobbing, I told her, I’m not trying to give the house back to you. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know the Bible and I don’t understand why this has happened. I thought your husband could help me.

She was quickly convicted of her initial response and shared with me some scriptures to look up. I let her know I didn’t own a Bible, so she quoted them for me. One of the verses she shared was John 14:1-4, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

I share this story, because you can see how easily our words could turn someone away from God. This conversation with her could have gone south very quickly with me being disgusted with her actions; pushing me further not closer to finding Jesus. Thankfully, she went from being defensive to compassionate. I also see now, how God had been softening my heart to give others more grace as well.

Our words have power. I pray each day the words I speak are in a manner that are uplifting that draw people to the light of Christ. Jesus abiding in us shows up in how we live our lives, especially the words we speak. Both the written and spoken word can make an impact. This is why we should choose them wisely.

Father God,

Forgive when I let careless words slip from my mouth; both knowingly and unknowingly. I know one day I will have to give account for them. Help me to choose my words wisely. I pray Colossians 4:6, “Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (NASB) Thank You for this reminder. Holy Spirit, let my words be led by you. Give me grace toward those who have no regard for hurting mine or other people’s feelings. May they be convicted to treat others with more kindness. It is in the name of Jesus Christ that I pray these things. Amen.

January Verse

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”—1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.