2021 Daily Devotion - Day 328

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It has been said, “I never have found peace of mind by giving folks a piece of mine.”

Sometimes it is so very difficult to refrain from giving someone a “piece of our mind”; whether it be to yell at the guy talking on the television or someone in real life. It might feel good at the moment, but it rarely makes things better. Instead, when this happens with real people, it only damages relationships. In addition, when we do this, we have an inner attitude which says we are really smarter, have greater understanding and need to straighten them out. But in truth, it is more often our pride and arrogance at work.

These are truly challenging days where we are under a great deal of strain and stress. However, we need to be people who consider the long-term aspects of all we are facing. We need to realize others are under the same pressures, in fact, maybe even more. This can be a period where we can grow spiritually and give people the benefit of the doubt, and we can put this into practice by not always “speaking our mind”.

Proverbs 10:19 NRSV
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but the prudent are restrained in speech.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, there are people all around us who do not share our attitude or outlook on life. It is easy for us to believe we are always right and they are wrong. Sometimes we want to take ownership of their attitude and try to correct them. However, this just damages our relationships. Help us to guard our tongues so we might strengthen our relationships and learn to be more disciplined and grow in wisdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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