Sometimes I just don’t like the Bible. Sometimes I just don’t like the Holy Spirit. Now…hang on! Don’t leave me just yet thinking “I can’t listen to that heresy or heretic anymore.” I have an explanation.
This past week I sinned. A surprise I know. 🙂 But it’s true. I passed along to someone something I’d heard. It’s called gossip if you want to put a handle on it. I had been told something that I had not verified and I told someone else. And I passed it along as though it were fact.
And here is why I said what I did at the beginning of this devotion: CONVICTION. The conviction of the Holy Spirit. The conviction of God’s Word. Neither would leave me alone. Even after I found out it was partially/mostly true, I knew what I did was wrong. And it put the other person on the spot. Yesterday I did the only thing I could do (at least in my heart): I called and apologized for gossiping and putting him on the spot. No accolades please of “good for you.” I would not have had to even do that nor would it have been an issue if I had kept my blasted mouth shut to start with.
What prompted this devotion? How about when I read this verse this morning: “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” (Pr.13:3) Need I say more?
“Father, help me to keep my mouth shut when it doesn’t need to be opened. Help me to guard my mouth and lips.”
Thank you for being an example to us all, Bill.
Sometimes a bad one. But thanks Diane.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God . . . Been there, done that, and it is NOT a pleasant feeling. Thank goodness our God is loving and forgiving when we confess our transgressions.
Blessings, Bill!
No, it is not a pleasant feeling. And so glad God is loving and forgiving.
Our tongue is really a dreadful thing. I admit, I am not much of a talker. I remember how, before I came to Christ, I was a liar! Oh what wonders God had in store for me.
it is two-forked monster Ed.
I think we can all relate to doing/saying/being something that does not display the qualities of Christ…
This is the reason we need Him.
Thanks for sharing.
I think we can all relate Ryan but I try to tell myself it is not an excuse. And yes, we need Him.
You know you’re not alone. I still appreciate you not hiding from the truth of justifying your actions.
Standing up in confession makes those around you more apt to do the same. God can use it all. Pretty cool.
Thanks Floyd. It was definitely a humbling experience.