Seriously

 “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24 (ESV)

God takes our words seriously. I would like us to think about the words we speak today. Complaints come from the heart and are brought to light in our thoughts and words. Complaints can be useful. During these 28 days, we are allowing God to expose our complaining nature for what it is (sinful) and change us to be more like Him.
We can’t be like Him if we don’t know what His standards are. We find God’s standards in the Bible. The Bible says that gracious words are sweet to the soul and health to the body. Our words can bring healing: 

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 12:18
In previous weeks, I shared with you about Psalm 19:14. We can actually start our day asking God that every word we say, every thought we think can be acceptable to Him. 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Our thoughts are not hidden from God. Do not settle with the fact that you only complain in our thoughts. God wants your thoughts to be influenced by Him. Why? Here is one reason:

“The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” Matthew 12:35

Complaints in your mind are a sign that your heart needs to submit to the Lord Jesus. It is an alert that you need God to help you think differently.
I’ve been hearing my family and teachers speak about Matthew 12:36-37 since I was a child. Recently, the seriousness of these words of Jesus has been convicting. 

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37

You and I will give an account for every complaining word. Pause and think about that. Now, do you know why God is calling you to change your heart and therefore, your words?

Prayer: Jesus, may my words be gracious as yours. May by tongue bring healing as yours did. May my thoughts be pleasing to you so I don’t feel I need to hide them. May I bring good treasure out of my heart so I can stand before you one day, unashamed of the words I spoke. Make me wise in speech, just like You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.