CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 754

“Word Filter”

James 3:17 (ESV)      But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

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The well water where I live is high in sediment and odiferous with a strong odor of sulfur.  As I researched multi-stage water purification and filtration systems I was reminded about the ‘Living Water’ of eternal life that should flow through all Christian believers in Jesus Christ.

“…Whoever believes in me …‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” – John 7:38

The words we speak should be like the wisdom from heaven in all contexts of life.  We should not carefully choose our words when we are in church or around ‘young ears’ and let them be unfiltered or uncensored when at work or in other social settings.  Our words must first of all be pure as our reference Scripture states.

… out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks … I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak …” – Matthew 12:34

Have you ever spoken words that you later wished you could have taken back?  Our words are a powerful force which can bless and curse, heal or hurt, encourage or discourage.

When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. – Proverbs 10:19

After purification our word filter should remove volatile words from our speech.  Our words are to be peace-loving. It takes two to fight.  ‘Turning the other cheek’ may be to simply not say the hurtful words that came to mind – words that you know would strike a blow to the other person.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1

The result of a good word filtration system powered by the indwelling presence of The Holy Spirit is that our words will be considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Do your words allow for patient listening and consideration of others’ feelings and needs?  Are your words compassionate and tender or are they judgmental and without grace?

Are your words beneficial to others?  Are they empty, lacking nourishment or are they uplifting and educating so that others can learn and benefit from them? Is there prejudice in your words?  Are your words spoken so as to manipulate others or are they sincere and true?

Peter writes in 1 Pet 4:11, ‘If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God … so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ….’

May your words be a continual testimony of the indwelling presence of God in your heart.  May your words be a wellspring of the Living Water of Jesus Christ.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & dedication of your work to the glory of God.