Testimony Time!

Today's Testimony Time is brought to you by: Love.

And you should know, that today, I'm irritable beyond belief. And while it takes great discipline to do this, and I often fail, I've decided that rooting myself in the Lord today and sharing some Word on Love, maybe I can overcome this. Or at the very least, not lose my cool on someone later because I've lost sight that loving others is loving them in all of our words... not just the ones we have when we are in a good mood.

I find on days like today when I'm feeling particularly irritable, I say things or think things that elevate me above others. Statements like, "I'd never do.... " or "I can't believe he/she did..." It seems innocent enough, but it isn't. It is turning my nose up at someone else's situation that I:

1) Know nothing about.

2) Shouldn't be doing anyway, regardless if they know about it or not.

"My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it."
(Isaiah 55:10-11)

Let's see... if I say something or think something that is hateful (and let's be honest, that's what it is), what fruit will it bear? Hate. That's what. It is right there is black and white.

So what does God tell us to do?

"I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message." John 13: 16

"So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." John 13: 34-35

So that person you are losing patience with: Pray for them. Don't vent about them. If you must vent about them, vent to God. I promise you won't be as hateful then.

If something makes you angry at school or at work, would you call up your priest and tell of the bitchy things he/she did to you? How would it differ if you were telling Jesus of your troubles versus stewing to yourself? Think about it really. It changes the whole tone just by who you are telling about it.

So that's my challenge to you (and me) today. Fight the urge to speak evil words. Find a way to turn something irritating into something loving.

"The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words." Proverbs 15:28

And by controlling your thoughts and words, and by spreading love instead of hate (even if it is silent, it is still out there), maybe your day won't be quite so hate filled (irritating, difficult, etc). Maybe you loving words will go forth and bring you love back. 

*The irony of me preaching controlling the tongue is not lost on me. But had I ignored the Spirit and not done this, I'm sure my day would have gone a lot differently. Even as I type this, I'm being washed with peace. Thank you Jesus! I needed it!