Watch Your Mouth!

Alright! This one ain’t gonna be pretty! But it’s absolutely necessary. I didn’t want to talk about this either, but I think we should go there. Where is there? I’m so glad you asked. There is; learning to watch your mouth! Why? Again, I’m so glad you asked.

Let me share a true story with you. There was a woman who was dating a man. The man came to her one day and proclaimed he would probably have to go on disability because of chronic neck pain. The woman thought he must have been crazy to think that she would marry a man who couldn’t take care of her.

They broke up, and the woman went on with her life. A few years later, the woman went out on disability because of chronic neck pain. She stayed in that condition for years. That woman was me. And I have learned the value of passing judgement on people. Matthew 7:2 (CEB) states, “You'll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you.”

For years, I have read that scripture, but I never really saw the truth of it until God revealed to me that I had been living it in a few areas of my life. Sometimes, we think we’re in a dilemma because of circumstances, but maybe we’re in a situation because of our mouths. What have you said? How have you judged? Are you critical? Do you think you are better than other people? 

I know it hurts to think that we may be very judgmental people. But it will hurt worse when that judgment comes back to haunt you. Trust me! I know the reality of it, and it has made me shut my mouth. I’m not talking about anybody, at any time, doing anything, for any reason, unless God says share it. And I mean it! My new motto is: “No comment!”

If you think this scripture's not real, listen. There was another area in which I reaped the judgment I had sown. Years ago, before I was born again, I was having a conversation with a friend, talking about how idiotic it was that her sister had married her boyfriend in jail. I sarcastically shouted, “I would never marry a man in jail!” Well, guess what I did? Yep! You guessed right! I married a man in jail. And for years I couldn’t figure out why, but now it is clear to me. Judgment was met back to me.

I always thought that scripture meant that people would judge you, but that’s not true. It’s your judgment that will be measured back to you. Your very own critical, condescending words will knock on the door of your life and show you out! 

I caution you, please evaluate the words you speak, especially over other people, so you won’t have to look over your shoulder for them to turn up later in ways that you won’t want to experience. I wish I had known then the truth that I know now; it would’ve saved me from heartache and embarrassment. It was a valuable, but very expensive lesson. 

Think about what you’re about to say, then say what you desire to experience. Speak well of people and not evil, so evil can’t show up at your door. And remember this: the only proper judge there should be is God, who truly knows how to judge correctly. And even then, he shows mercy.

Prayer:

Father, I have misused my mouth against other people. These are people you love and value so much that you gave your only begotten Son for them. I repent of the sin of judging others. Please forgive my ignorance and my pride. And please heal my life. And from this day forth, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 ESV). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!