I literally just got home from picking up a trailer. On the way, I was making a tight turn, and had to let a large truck pull out before I could make the turn. The pickup behind the large truck decided he had the right to pull out too--but I had already committed to making the turn (not to mention that I had the right of way). As I passed the pickup, the driver decided to call me an "a*@wipe". I said, "sorry man" and even made eye contact (my voice was calm, and I was sincerely sorry--even though I really had nothing to apologize for. Remember, I had the right of way!). As I apologized, he decided to respond with the wonderful and uplifting comment of "F%*# You!"
As I continued down the road, I laughed--then I prayed. I thanked God for the fact that I held my tongue, and then I prayed for the man (No, I did not pray that he would then run off the road). I prayed for God's resurrecting power to be made known in the man's life. I prayed that his day would be better, and I prayed that he would be forgiven.
Now, I don't tell you this to pat myself on the back. I promise that I do not always respond this way, and I have had my share of opportunities to be "the other guy." I tell you this because the situation made me think about words. Why do we say the things we say to others? Why do we tear down complete strangers?
[Note: The man would have been accurate in calling me an "a*@wipe" if only he had said "a*@wiper"--considering we just had our third child, and I have been wiping a lot of....well--you know!!]
Ephesians 4:29 says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."
Gut punch, right?!! It's one of those verses that we like to sling out when we are the one being spoken poorly to, but avoid when we have something nasty to say. As a follower of Jesus Christ, every single word that comes out of our mouths matters!! EVERY. SINGLE. WORD.
In this situation, the Spirit lead me to forgive, not lash out--which should be my response every time. I'm thankful that He intervened. I'm thankful that prior to being in my truck, I had been in conversation with God--thus I was in touch with the Spirit.
If we are truly to control our words, we must constantly be in touch with the Spirit. When we are hurt by words, we should immediately go to God so that our response comes from Him.
Christian--in a world of hurt, God, through the letters of Paul, has told us to only speak what builds up. My prayer is that you will allow the right words to flow from your lips in all circumstances.
