To Avoid Sneaky Speech
Word made flesh,
When we take the time to look back on past issues or challenges and reflect on what factors contributed to them, we often see the common refrain of a communication breakdown. Sometimes this is caused by a failure to speak clearly enough not only to be understood, but also to not be misunderstood. Other times, however, it can be because communication was deliberately misleading or ambiguous, to mask a hidden agenda or keep true intentions hidden. Grant me the wisdom to address the former, and a penitent heart to confess the latter when I’ve been guilty of it. For such sneaky speech is nothing but dishonesty and lying. When we use communication to deliberately deceive, while giving the appearance of being forthright and truthful, we cause great damage and division. We are tearing down rather than building up or edifying. That sinful talk has no business coming from the lips of your people. Since all such speech starts in the heart, give me a pure heart so that my speech may reflect it.
In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.