Numbers 12:1-2 Miriam and Aaron began to talk against Moses because of his Cushite wife, for he had married a Cushite. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” they asked. “Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” And the Lord heard this.
“God sees our heart and hears our conversations”
Don’t be quick to judge and condemn. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19). One of the most difficult commandments to obey is to control our mind and mouth. Before we realize our mind judges and mouth blurts out unkind comments. Controlling our tongue begins with disciplining our mind. If the mind gallivants like a wild horse, our mouth will speak unruly words. Before we realize we would have spoken regretful remarks.
The difference between being “judgemental” and “discerning” is that a judgemental comment would malign a person for their action but discernment will correct the action without condemning them. Judgemental attitude is slanderous and envious but discernment is sensible and gracious.
Judgemental attitude stems from insecurity, low self-esteem and pride. None of these weaknesses are excusable. Insecurity and low self-esteem are rooted in self-dependency. However, pride is one of the primary causes of a lousy attitude. Our mind affects our moods and the words of our mouth.
The sister and brother of Moses grew envious of his anointing and gifting. The anointing of Moses did not come easy. Moses spent hours in prayer and days on the mountain fasting and praying. He went on fasting and prayer for 40 days without food and water twice before the Lord God could promote him as the meekest man on the earth. Yet, they slandered about him and spread a disparaging report among the people about Moses. And the Lord heard this.
The Lord God does not condone judgmental attitudes or remarks.
Convictions and conversations:
1. Bite: Bite your tongue if you have nothing nice to say. Ruminate over your thoughts before it comes out as words.
2. Bridle: Bridle your mind and your mouth. It is the mind that feeds the mouth with foul commentary.
3. Benevolent: Benevolence and wisdom should drip from our mouth. She opens her mouth with wisdom (Proverbs 31:26).
The Lord hears both our thoughts and words.
Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, help me to bridle my mind and mouth and never be judgemental or condemning. Amen.
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