23 Nov, 2010
When It Burns
Have you ever burned yourself? I once burned my hand on the oven rack while pulling out a pizza. Not only did it hurt right then, it continued to throb and sting for days afterward. In just one careless moment, I managed to suffer long-term consequences, including a scar that lasted for years!
Have you ever been "burned" by someone else? Whether by a careless word or a thoughtless action, one moment can sting us for a long time.
Have you ever "burned" someone? Ever said something you wish you could take back or done something that you regret?
All of these examples have one thing in common: the consequences last much longer than the action itself. So what do we do about burns?
The tongue is a small member, but it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
James 3:5-6
Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
Matthew 12:34
What does God's Story Scripture teach us about burns?
James 3 talks about the power of our speech. Careless words can burn. Once words leave our mouths, we can't take them back. Often, they burn far beyond what we would intend. Like when I burned my hand in the oven, the sting won't go away even after the moment.
We've all experienced the burn of other's words. So it's crucial that we guard our own words to avoid burning others.
How can I connect God's story scripture to my life?
- Do you watch your words? Do you tend to be careless with what you say? If so, ask God for strength to hold your tongue and choose your words lovingly.
- How is your heart? When your heart has anger or unforgiveness or hurt in it, we often speak out of that place. Perhaps you need to ask God to help you forgive someone for previous hurts so that you don't speak out of the overflow of a sinful heart.
How can I connect God's story scripture and my story to others?
- Have you been burned by someone's words? It might be time to let them off the hook. Forgive them by praying for them and asking God to help you let it go.
- Have you burned someone? If you know you've hurt someone with your words this week, go to them and ask forgiveness. You might want to apologize for your careless words and let them know you are working on speaking more lovingly.
- Out of the heart, the mouth speaks....it can also help to remember that you can use your mouth for good. Speak a kind or encouraging word to a member of your family or a friend this week. A kind word can be like a healing balm on a burn!
- May 2012 [14]
- April 2012 [19]
- March 2012 [21]
- February 2012 [19]
- January 2012 [18]
- December 2011 [20]
- November 2011 [15]
- October 2011 [15]
- September 2011 [14]
- August 2011 [22]
- July 2011 [19]
- June 2011 [21]
- May 2011 [20]
- April 2011 [20]
- March 2011 [21]
- February 2011 [20]
- January 2011 [21]
- December 2010 [21]
- November 2010 [21]
- October 2010 [21]
- September 2010 [22]
- August 2010 [21]
- July 2010 [22]
- June 2010 [20]
- May 2010 [18]
- April 2010 [20]
- March 2010 [23]
- February 2010 [19]
- January 2010 [22]
- December 2009 [22]
- November 2009 [21]
- October 2009 [22]
- September 2009 [21]
- August 2009 [20]
- July 2009 [21]
- June 2009 [22]
- May 2009 [18]
- April 2009 [15]
- March 2009 [7]
- February 2009 [17]
- January 2009 [20]
- December 2008 [23]
- November 2008 [19]
- October 2008 [22]
- September 2008 [22]
- August 2008 [19]
- July 2008 [22]
- June 2008 [11]
- May 2008 [19]
- April 2008 [22]
- March 2008 [21]
- February 2008 [18]
- January 2008 [20]
- December 2007 [18]
- November 2007 [15]
- October 2007 [19]
- September 2007 [18]
- August 2007 [12]
- July 2007 [12]
- June 2007 [9]
- May 2007 [11]
- April 2007 [10]
- March 2007 [11]
- February 2007 [14]
- January 2007 [7]
- December 2006 [4]
- November 2006 [13]
- October 2006 [17]
- September 2006 [11]
- August 2006 [16]
- July 2006 [10]
- June 2006 [3]
