THINK before you speak...

Satan loves to use this time of year to cause as much pain as possible.  He uses us against each other, stirring up selfish thoughts, past hurts, or presumed wrongs.  The bible says, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”, 1 Peter 5:8.  He loves to turn our thoughts selfishly inwards, and away from being thankful for the loved ones God has placed in our lives, whether by blood or by friendship.  Remember that this season, as you celebrate Thanksgiving.  Make a list of all the things about each member of your family that you are thankful for.  Remind yourself that carrying around a grudge or a hurt from the past only makes YOU miserable.  When you lash out at the ones you love over past hurts, it makes you look like a fool, and makes Satan laugh with delight.  The word of God says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”  This is how we are to love each other.  So remember this at Thanksgiving and Christmas when you get together with your family and friends, even the ones who get on your nerves sometimes, to love them the way God says to love them.  No, it’s not always easy, but I would much rather bite my tongue and keep from hurting someone, than cause them pain and in the process, Satan joy.  The acrostic below is something I keep in mind when I am hurt or angry, and honestly you can’t get very far down this list when you’re thinking selfishly.  What you want to say might be true...but words spoken in anger are seldom ever helpful, inspiring, necessary or kind.

THINK before you speak.
T - is it true
H - is it helpful
I - is it inspiring
N - is it necessary
K - is it kind

The Message - Ephesians 4:31b
“Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.”