This was like a bullet to the forehead. I've experienced whispers of conviction when I've behaved this way, but have never had the mask ripped off so forcefully. Thank you, Mr. Walker, for another well-written exposure of my precise sin. You are truly an amazing wordsmith.
Thank you for this. I also have a sharp tongue and my dear husband who loves me and sees me and knows me has even dubbed it “the flamethrower.” I used to almost seek out a fight and a cause, just so I could wield it. I, like you, have seen the look in the eyes of those who have been its victim. Jesus has changed me, not perfectly, but one decision at a time. Turns out, we get to decide- obey or don’t. I realized that whatever witness I had been of Christ before, I just blew every chance to regain. I have spent nights thinking of those who could have been saved but rather were turned away by the words a Christian like me flung at them. I don’t want that anymore. I want my words to come from the abundance of my flawed and redeemed heart ❤️ God forgive us all.
Yes a sermon that applies to all. It’s not easy to attempt to be like Christ, compassion isn’t always our go to response. The tongue can be a double edged sword when we cut others with it we also harm ourselves. I am certainly guilty of that!
Proverbs 12-18
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing".
That two edged sword we constantly cut people to pieces with, I know it well. Unfortunately my voice and inflection double down to make people often cower when anger shows.
It something very difficult to keep under control but God requires that of us, yet we often run astray. I don’t own a tv or watch much news on purpose, yet having heard about the stabbing… that was a perfect correlation. He had a knife of steel, that did outward damage, while we often use words or tones that do far more, often deeper and unseen damage that carries on for years unlike the boy who bled out.
Thanks for the image of how powerful our words are before I go see the doctor today… I’m sure the receptionist will appreciate this.
Years ago, not long after my husband died, I had lunch with his former boss who had become my husband’s close friend. In the course of conversation he mentioned that the way he sized people up was how they treated service people. I felt immediate conviction because I had recently used my words as weapons the way you describe and felt justified. I have never forgotten that moment.
Sorry to write this lengthy comment. Reading this article made me want to write this.
Yesterday at the busy NJ gas station (we cannot pump our own gas) and with only 1 assigned on a 8 row pump... everyone was waiting for the one guy to run and pump. Needless to say, it was easy to get extremely frustrated at this slow service but I was surprised people were patiently waiting.
Then I saw this random person walking to get his red jerry can filled and stood by a car getting pumped. The gas attendant greeted the man and took the pump out of the car and filled the jerry can, not realizing this man is not the owner of the car.
The owner of the car got out and instead of getting angry to an already frustrating environment, just kind of played it off as an honest mistake and the gas attendant was apologizing realizing the guy with the jerry can is someone not associated. The car owner played it off probably knowing to get a refund will be extremely tough to calculate in this situation. He just took his card and went back to his car. This is probably the type of sheathed discipline you are talking about.
The kicker was, I was watching the gas attendant focused on the whirlwind of situations and that man's car gas cap was still open and hanging down. I was wondering if the car owner would drive off. But he didn't just rush and drive off and gave the attendant ample time to realize the cap was not closed. That car owner was in control of the situation despite certain aspects out of his control. That car owner owned the ultimate outcome as he drove off the gas station.
During this whole interaction, as I'm also patiently waiting for this gas attendant to get to me to start filling my tank. This interesting moment showed me how important it is to keep cool and calm. It prevents issues from spiraling out of control. Should anger and argument enter, it would create a domino effect of disasters. Humbleness, acceptance, and forgiveness should always be at the forefront.
I am and have always been the one on the inside of the counter. Raised by a verbally abusive father, I was/am extremely fearful of 'performing' for fear of being judged. I was taught that I am and would always be a failure. People on the other side of the counter aren't always just training, sometimes they feel inadequate and scared.
This was like a bullet to the forehead. I've experienced whispers of conviction when I've behaved this way, but have never had the mask ripped off so forcefully. Thank you, Mr. Walker, for another well-written exposure of my precise sin. You are truly an amazing wordsmith.
Thank you for this. I also have a sharp tongue and my dear husband who loves me and sees me and knows me has even dubbed it “the flamethrower.” I used to almost seek out a fight and a cause, just so I could wield it. I, like you, have seen the look in the eyes of those who have been its victim. Jesus has changed me, not perfectly, but one decision at a time. Turns out, we get to decide- obey or don’t. I realized that whatever witness I had been of Christ before, I just blew every chance to regain. I have spent nights thinking of those who could have been saved but rather were turned away by the words a Christian like me flung at them. I don’t want that anymore. I want my words to come from the abundance of my flawed and redeemed heart ❤️ God forgive us all.
I am you and you could not have articulated this better. And yes, may God pour out His mercy on us all.
Stepping all over my toes this morning.
Your articles always make me sit and think. That’s what I love about them. They always stop me in my tracks.
Yes a sermon that applies to all. It’s not easy to attempt to be like Christ, compassion isn’t always our go to response. The tongue can be a double edged sword when we cut others with it we also harm ourselves. I am certainly guilty of that!
Proverbs 12-18
"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing".
That two edged sword we constantly cut people to pieces with, I know it well. Unfortunately my voice and inflection double down to make people often cower when anger shows.
It something very difficult to keep under control but God requires that of us, yet we often run astray. I don’t own a tv or watch much news on purpose, yet having heard about the stabbing… that was a perfect correlation. He had a knife of steel, that did outward damage, while we often use words or tones that do far more, often deeper and unseen damage that carries on for years unlike the boy who bled out.
Thanks for the image of how powerful our words are before I go see the doctor today… I’m sure the receptionist will appreciate this.
timely word, then
Thank you. I really needed to be reminded of this as I am also guilty of the same sin.
Ouch! Thank you.
Whew. I sure needed to hear this. Stepped on my toes and my heart. Appreciate you sharing with such openness.
We all need to remember this.
Thank you for sharing this! Very convicting and what I needed to “hear”.
The brain finds it hard to process new information under pressure. It returns to default mode. The Holy Spirit must have His work cut out!
That was a great definition of “grace”. None of us deserve it, but we all cherish it…from both sides of the counter.
Years ago, not long after my husband died, I had lunch with his former boss who had become my husband’s close friend. In the course of conversation he mentioned that the way he sized people up was how they treated service people. I felt immediate conviction because I had recently used my words as weapons the way you describe and felt justified. I have never forgotten that moment.
Sorry to write this lengthy comment. Reading this article made me want to write this.
Yesterday at the busy NJ gas station (we cannot pump our own gas) and with only 1 assigned on a 8 row pump... everyone was waiting for the one guy to run and pump. Needless to say, it was easy to get extremely frustrated at this slow service but I was surprised people were patiently waiting.
Then I saw this random person walking to get his red jerry can filled and stood by a car getting pumped. The gas attendant greeted the man and took the pump out of the car and filled the jerry can, not realizing this man is not the owner of the car.
The owner of the car got out and instead of getting angry to an already frustrating environment, just kind of played it off as an honest mistake and the gas attendant was apologizing realizing the guy with the jerry can is someone not associated. The car owner played it off probably knowing to get a refund will be extremely tough to calculate in this situation. He just took his card and went back to his car. This is probably the type of sheathed discipline you are talking about.
The kicker was, I was watching the gas attendant focused on the whirlwind of situations and that man's car gas cap was still open and hanging down. I was wondering if the car owner would drive off. But he didn't just rush and drive off and gave the attendant ample time to realize the cap was not closed. That car owner was in control of the situation despite certain aspects out of his control. That car owner owned the ultimate outcome as he drove off the gas station.
During this whole interaction, as I'm also patiently waiting for this gas attendant to get to me to start filling my tank. This interesting moment showed me how important it is to keep cool and calm. It prevents issues from spiraling out of control. Should anger and argument enter, it would create a domino effect of disasters. Humbleness, acceptance, and forgiveness should always be at the forefront.
I am and have always been the one on the inside of the counter. Raised by a verbally abusive father, I was/am extremely fearful of 'performing' for fear of being judged. I was taught that I am and would always be a failure. People on the other side of the counter aren't always just training, sometimes they feel inadequate and scared.
Hugs!