"Be careful little mouth what you speak"

"I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." Matthew 12:36.

Oh, LORD, how I needed that reminder this morning! Each interaction with others presents opportunity for a careless word (or MANY careless words!), all too often in exchanges with those we hold most dear.

I am also reminded that as a child of God, the Holy Spirit lives in my heart ... and I can count on Him to teach me even as I ponder words BEFORE I consider sharing them out loud.

LORD, may I be ever ready to respond to Your prompting, Your discipline as I speak to others. May I speak words of encouragement and be ready always to pray for and with those who You put in my path. I thank You, LORD, for the opportunities You give to us to represent Your Son, Jesus, in word and deed.