Listen! Or Your Tongue Will Make You Deaf (Advent) - Tuesday, December 19

Listen! Or Your Tongue Will Make You Deaf - Tuesday, December 19

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men."
Titus 2:11 (AKJV)

How many times have we spoken words we wish we could take back as soon as they come out of our mouth?  Our words are powerful and should be spoken carefully.  Words can bring life and encouragement to someone, but they can also bring discouragement and death.

In dealing with life on the reservations, we are constantly in the position of trying to help repair problems set in motion from words spoken - whether out of lies, gossip, or false accusations, both from the past and the present. 

When the tongue speaks corruption about an individual or a certain people group, it's like a spark that develops into a fire and devours everything in its path.  If we learn to listen more and speak words of life, filled with truth and love, how much more will people want to hear God's Word? 

This isn't unique on the reservations.  We've all been guilty of saying things we wished we hadn't. If we think more and take pause before blurting unkind words, we will be effective in spreading the Gospel of Christ's love that comes from our heart.

The Cherokee have a saying, "Listen! Or your tongue will make you deaf." 

God doesn't want us deaf, but able to hear people that are truly hurting and looking for His peace and salvation.  Proverbs 12:18 says, "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  Jesus came into this world to bring hope, healing, and to set the captives free.  He is the Word, and His Word is life sustaining forever and ever. 

Dear God, you sent your Son, Jesus, into a dark world where words spoken, deeds done, and thoughts pondered have betrayed your intent.  His Words, His thoughts, and His deeds – especially dying for us - give us forgiveness, hope, and life eternal.  Grant us grace to receive Him with gladness.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Deaconess Cathy Benzler (Cherokee)
Port Angeles, Washington