Bad Breath

Lately, God keeps confronting me with the power of words:

• A conversation with a friend this week included some critical words I later regretted.
• A dinner last night with extended family offered life-giving conversation, punctuated with affirmation and laughter.
• Our study of James at House Groups on Wednesday night focused on the powerful ways our speech can give life or destroy it, draw people towards Jesus or push them away - boasting, praising, cursing, gossip, promises.

In the midst of these experiences, God has reminded me of two things that have been helpful.

This morning I read Proverbs 10:32 “The speech of a good person clears the air; the words of the wicked pollute it.” This verses makes me think of someone who’s eaten garlic or onions and has bad breath. In the same way, what we fill our minds and hearts with can affect the aroma of our speech. Matthew 12:34 says “Out of the heart the mouth speaks.” So I have to ask, what’s my “diet” like?  What am I filling my mind and heart with that impacts my “breath”?

Second, God reminded me of a litmus test for speech I had read years ago. Before you speak, ask yourself:

• Is it true?
• Is it necessary?
• Is it kind?

It was a reminder I needed this week. What about you? How’s your breath?

Laura Crosby serves as the Director of Spiritual Formation at The Table

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