Taming the Tongue Tuesday!

In the news recently we've seen what happens when a couple gets hurt by the words and or actions of their spouse, and yes I'm one of those who have watched when this couple was first shown as a documentary...but before you click away... wait...you don't have to watch the show to learn from what's happened...

Could you image if your life was recorded...your words...what you said...and HOW you said it?

24 - 7

365!

(well actually it is...but that's another post.)

What can we glean from watching?

These two people...instead of bringing closure to matters through 

the typical course of give and take, 

let situations build, 

changing the relationship and allowing more of a divide. 

It's probable that wounds grew due to anger and a lack of trust...

...but ultimately...it really comes down to 

communication.

People hurt others usually when they're hurting themselves.  

And when a person hurts...like a wounded puppy, they lash out at others...often the ones closest to them.

I've read some blogs about the hoopla surrounding the current "media tabloid family"...but my heart goes out to what the ungodly media will never show us...

Two people, hurt and wounded by a lack of communication.  

Children...probably wounded because their parents refuse to sit and talk...even in the same room.

It's not even a issue of taming the tongue...for there is no talking or listening.  

(After many months of not watching...I watched last night's episode...I know...it's like slowing down in traffic for an accident...I slipped in my carnal human nature)

Sometimes listening ears are more important than what comes out of our mouths.

Isn't that an elementary preschool lesson we teach our children?

One of the highest forms of communication is listening.

I know when my husband and I misfire at communication...it really isn't about the matter that's in the forefront...usually it's about something else...Something behind the scenes that is an ongoing problem that has never really been fully resolved.

Could you imagine...having normal struggles, problems, the enemy working against you...and instead of having to work it out...

you have publicist, personal assistants, production managers...

tickling your ears...telling you you're right...

telling you YOU whatever you want to hear...

copious amounts of money thrown at you regardless if you're doing God's will or not...

There would never be a need to humble yourself and hear the other side.  There wouldn't be a need to communicate...

It would be all about your answers, your wants, you.

Before we judge them, let's focus on what we can do to improve our own...

communication.

Proverbs 18:13 says, 

"The one who gives an answer before he listens - that is his folly and his shame."

We're so blessed God has spared us from that type of life.  Praise the Lord for his Word...and for the ability to communicate and  listen to our friends and family!

Go practice being a good listener...and that'll keep our tongues tamed! (or at least closed)

Alelluia!