How many times have you said just the "wrong" thing at the wrong time? For me, it is more often than I like. Jesus' words on this topic are indeed convicting to me:
"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (
Matthew 12:34-37). In other words, poor words and bad timing in our speech are more issues of our heart than a lack of proper social skills and decorum. Let's ask God to purify, mend, and re-focus our hearts on his will and passions, so that we can be a blessing to others.
Almighty God, loving and merciful Father, please purify my heart of all evil, hate, duplicity, prejudice, malice, lust, and greed. By the powerful name of Jesus, please drive away any evil power or enticing temptation that would corrupt my heart and wound my soul. Please use the Holy Spirit to fill my heart with your love, grace, righteousness, holy passion, gentleness, forbearance, sensitivity, courage, and forgiveness. Give me discernment to know which of these qualities I need at any given moment. Sanctify me, body, soul, and spirit with your Holy Spirit.* In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
* I love this promise-prayer from Paul that we can pray for each other:
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV)
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