A Delay Button for Our Tongue (Ephesians 4:29)

Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29

There is something about laughter that allows us to let our guard down. When we are truly enjoying the company of others, laughter and joy can freely flow and our conversations are more natural. We let our guard down because we are comfortable. But when we let our guard down, occasionally we may also let down our common sense and allow loose talk to emerge from our lips. Although things made be said in jest, what we say may inadvertently cause pain to the hearer. The Holy Spirit reminds us that:

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21

During live television or radio talk shows, there is often a few second delay. This allows the director or the talk show host to delete a wayward comment or even profanity from making its way on to the airwaves. Sometimes I wish I could have a delay button on my mouth. There have been many times when if I had just paused for a few seconds and thought about what I was about to say, I could have avoided tremendous hurt and emotional grief on the part of the listener. But since no such delay button exists, I need to rely upon the Holy Spirit to instruct me and train me to place a leash on my tongue. My prayer is that my speech will be a reflection of Jesus Christ within me and that my speech will lift others up rather than tear them down.

Allow the Holy Spirit to transform and renew your mind so that every word that proceeds out of your mouth is a reflection of God’s grace in your life.

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.