I don’t quite feel as safe in America as I once did. The fear of terrorist attacks, the racial division that has turned violent on those meant to serve and protect, the internet predators using social media to stalk our children, the nut jobs shooting random people, etc… The list goes on and on. Safety is one of the most important human needs we have as people. We tell our children to ‘be safe’, we tell our spouses to ‘drive safe’, we tell our employees to ‘stay safe’, and we expect our country to keep us safe. But there is one area that we don’t usually address or think of in terms of safety. And that’s in our relationships.
All relationships depend on good, frequent and safe communication. What I mean by that is this; do people feel safe communicating with you? Do they feel listened to? Do they feel valued? Or are they dismissed? Laughed at? Yelled at? Or made to feel inferior? People want strong relationships with their boss, with their co-workers, with their spouse and with their children. But in order for this to truly happen on a deep and real level, both sides have to feel safe and secure in that relationship. Safe to share feelings, hopes, dreams, challenges, fears, worries and struggles. What makes someone feel unsafe? It usually starts with careless, thoughtless and angry words.
Proverbs 11:9 ~ With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.
Ps. 141:3 ~ Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.
James 3:9 ~ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
“Dear Lord Jesus, take control of our mouths today and help us to be safe people. Forgive us for careless, thoughtless, and angry words. Let our words bless You and others. It’s in the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.