I Wish I Hadn’t Said It

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As the words were rolling off my tongue, I knew it wasn’t going as planned. “I wish I hadn’t said that” is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube – once it’s out you can’t get it all back in.

I think we can agree that it’s a lot easier to walk with God when our foot isn’t in our mouth!

Paul says something in Eph 4 in absolute terms, yet seems impossible in our age of politically and socially charged rhetoric and the endless streams, feeds and styles of communication.

We’re so used to hearing and feeding upon what God forbids that it becomes our natural speech.

I like what James 3 says here because it almost seems like a valid excuse to ignore Paul! If no man can tame the tongue, why bother trying?

May I be candid? Because God can and does tame it if we’ll pause before we speak, write, hit “send” or let that opinion or comment fly. (There’s a good filter at the end)

Ephesians 4 calls us to walk after the Spirit and manner of Jesus, living out of the resources of our new identity in Christ, and not after the old. “Christ in you” enables you to communicate better.

When what others say or do provokes you to respond corruptly or abruptly, Pro. 15:28 can help keep the lid on the toothpaste. We don’t have to say it, but if we’re going to say it, think long and hard first.

To enjoy the fruit of the Spirit in our interactions with others we have to be sure we never grieve the Spirit with our words.

Speaking of fruit, this part of Proverbs 18 is sobering and instructive.

You probably don’t like eating toothpaste; you really won’t like eating your corrupt words! We know this! But too often we let ‘em fly anyway. Perhaps it’s time to put away the excuses (You’ll find a helpful illustration in the GO DEEPER section below).

All day long you are filling your “belly” and heart with whatever communications you allow yourself to feed on. You know the principle: garbage in, garbage out; good in, good out (GIGO).

A change of diet can do wonders for the heart and for the health of our relationships.

Let’s not make excuses. Jesus warned us, Paul commanded us, and the Spirit equips us to speak only that which builds others up and serves a good dose of grace (what is needed not “deserved”).

When you choose your words carefully, you’re less likely to “wish you hadn’t said it.” If Jesus takes our words this seriously, maybe we should too.

This verse right HERE is a good filter to consider before you say it, write it or hit send.

I’ve added more Scriptures to ponder in the GO DEEPER section below.

Good Reads & Ministries I Enjoy (last chance today!)

1. The Healing Journey. I have been helped by this ministry reaching people who hurt, are hurting others, hindered by life-altering events, and stuck in controlling behaviors: https://www.hishealinglight.org/healing-journey

2. Into Far Lands is a young family bringing the Book of Acts alive in an amazing and unique way. Homeschoolers take note! The quality is excellent. Check it out at: https://www.intofarlands.com/map-of-pauls-journeys

3. Covered In His Dust My friend George is doing deep chapter dives while also working as a teacher and missionary in Guatemala & Cuba. Grab his notes https://coveredinhisdust.beehiiv.com

4. Coffee with My Father. Ramzi writes short encouragements and you’ll love the free wallpapers he offers with his posts. You can check them all out here: https://coffeewithmyfather.com

5. Bible Copy Club is a favorite among thousands writing God’s word a few verses at time. They have an engaging FB page for those who want to share your work: https://biblecopyclub.com

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