BLACK BELT

I prayed today for those of you who have been hurt by the words of others - some of you still dealing with harsh words spoken twenty years ago - or more - words that are still producing bad fruit in your life.

If you and I as amateurs got into the ring to go at each other, one of us would win and you would be sore for a little while (grin) -- maybe a day or two -- but if it was you and an actual black belt, you could be sore for much longer.

Do you know why?  Because he was an expert.

You can be a black belt with your mouth so that someone is sore for weeks - or longer - because you were an expert with your tongue.

You can be a black belt with your mouth.

In your marriage one of you is a better communicator.  You can easily win the argument but that doesn't mean you're winning any wars.  You may win the present disagreement but you're losing the long term agreement you have in your covenant.

Words last.

Make the words you speak to others last, but in good, healing, redeeming ways.

And be blessed.