I like to talk. I get excited. I like to ask questions and share stories. Lots of big hand gestures. Maybe you too? This can be a strength when you want to connect with people, but…
Ever leave a party and stress about that you said too much?
Yeah, me either. Rarely happens 🙄.
For me, one of the most cringe-worthy verses in the Bible is “Where words are many, sin is not absent.” (Proverbs 10:19)
The other day, I was reflecting on something I shared at a social gathering.
And after beating myself up about what would be characterized as gossip, or at least sharing information that wasn’t strictly kind, necessary, or helpful, I got more constructive and asked myself “Why?”
Why was I so motivated to say what I did?
Honestly, the information I had, gave me power and status in the eyes of people I wanted to like me.
A friend of mine sent me this quote the other day:
“There is nothing in your life too terrible or too sad that will not be your friend when you find the right name to call it…”
Laurens vanderPost
If I were to name the why it might be “insecurity” or “longing for importance”.
And why that? Maybe I’m not rooted enough in the truth of my belovedness to God. Who or what is telling me I’m not important or valuable to others? What is the truth, the words Jesus speaks over me?
So after you ask yourself why, and name the thing beneath the thing, then what do you do?
- Confess. Ask forgiveness.
Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.
James 5:16 Msg
- Prepare for the future. Naming this, hopefully will make me more aware of the temptation when I walk into a similar situation in the future.
Reminding myself that I am a beloved child of the King who doesn’t need the approval or validation of anyone and praying that God would guard my heart and tongue may help.
Can you relate? What would you add? Share in comments.
Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.
Proverbs 10:19
