Please, Thanks, and Sorry Go a Long Way—Use Them Often

Generally speaking, words have power.  Although Please, Thanks, and Sorry are simple “courtesy words” we learned as children, we can never underestimate the power they yet hold.  Of course, we know the scriptures have plenty to say about our words.  One of my faves is Proverbs 25:11, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” 

On the other hand, scripture also tells us that our tongues can get us in a heap of trouble!  Man can tame lions and tigers.  They can train dolphins and teach birds to talk, but that itty bitty member located between our upper and bottom teeth cannot be tamed by man.  The tongue is unruly and sometimes, downright poisonous.  Yikes! 

“All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:7-8  

When I really think about it, this makes me wonder:  Is this a tongue issue?  Or, is it a heart issue?  I believe it is the latter, but don’t take my word for it.  This is what Jesus had to say about it.  

“So Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding?  Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?  But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”  Matthew 15:16-20 

Enough said.   

I get it, we all say things sometimes that we wish we could take back.  Even though we don’t have the power to tame our tongues, God does through the power of His Spirit.  Any person who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation!  Holy Spirit can be the rudder and reins to temper every word we say if we submit to Him. 

Saying ‘Please’ shows consideration.  Saying ‘Thanks’ shows appreciation.  Saying ‘Sorry’ is the breeding ground for reconciliation.  Three simple words with life changing results.  Let’s make a habit of saying them quick and often. 

Prayer:  Father, I submit my tongue to you.  I acknowledge that I don’t have the power to tame my tongue, but You do.  Please help me to graciously use my words to help and heal.  Today, I commit to start with these three simple words…Please, Thanks, and Sorry.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen