Every Careless Word

I was working on some devotions today for January, when I came across a scripture that spoke volumes to me. You know how it is when you've read a verse many times and think you've learned everything from it. But then at other times, God takes a spiritual highlighter and tells you, "Honey, there's lots more for you to learn!"

So, here's the thing. I was writing on criticism from others and how to deal with it, when God redirected my thoughts. Seems He had a message for me in Matthew 12:34-37:

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings
good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil
things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that men will have to
give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be
condemned."

I think I might have stopped reading this passage after verse 35, and I missed that whole part about having to give account for every careless word spoken. So as I'm writing about others being critical, God really wanted me to learn about my own critical spirit and words.

Boy oh boy, I'm going to have a bucketful of careless words when I stand before God. It makes me even more thankful for grace, and even more committed to watching my heart and tongue.

I pray you have a careful-tongue day!

In His Love,

Glynnis