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

 Is there anyone else out there who has the tendency to speak before thinking? How about speaking out of anger, frustration, or hurt? I know this all too well!! I like to call it Open Mouth insert Super Huge Foot Syndrome! What's worse than the actual words spoken is the guilt that comes after speaking them! I have lived this way most of my life. I have said what I wanted to say, when and how I wanted to say it. I have improved it a little over the years but to be quite honest, it's something I still struggle with!!

I was introduced to a "words test" a week or so ago by someone who's advice I value and take seriously. He said that before words ever leave your mouth, you should ask yourself, is what you're about to say true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? After taking a rather long and not so good look at myself, I very honestly admitted to myself that yes, my words are mostly true but not very often are they kind, and even less often are they necessary. So I was faced with a choice, continue living the way that I live, saying what I think, reacting out of anger, harming my personal and professional relationships; or, I could embrace this new way of thinking and change. Hmmm....

Could it be that easy? Could I change just by asking myself three questions before I speak? It sounds great, but is it possible? The Bible tells us that the tounge is a whole world of wickedness that consumes the whole body... that tells me that taming my tounge and changing my words is going to be quite a feat!!! However, the Bible also tells me that I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Answer: It isn't going to be easy but I can change the way that I speak by drawing strength from Christ and by doing the words test before I speak!!

So let's ask ourselves, "is it true, is it kind, and is it necessary?" before we speak. If our words don't meet all of these criteria, then we are better off to keep quiet. If everyone took the test, I think the world would not only be a quieter, kinder place, but we might be able to completely do away with mindless, hurtful gossip!!

My prayer is found in Psalm chapter 19. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14.

Thanks for reading my thoughts!!

Random Thought of the Day: I saw tie dye balloons for the first time and I think they are incredibly cool!!