What Would Jesus Say…

 

For a time, our youngest daughter took on the role of the "What Would Jesus Do" police. Whenever she felt wronged or witnessed someone being mistreated—whether it was her sisters or friends—she would deliver the cutest lectures about how Jesus would be very unhappy with them. She did this with complete seriousness.

As adults, most of us have somewhat mastered the question, "What would Jesus do?" However, I have found that the hardest spiritual lesson I'm still learning is not just about what would Jesus do, but rather "What would Jesus say?"

I'm referring to those moments when we verbally critique the petty actions of others simply because they don't align with our reasoning or upbringing. I usually eagerly looked forward to having what I considered a harmless vent session about these with my husband or sisters.

However, shortly after these venting sessions, I experienced a deep conviction from the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit began challenging me to keep a close watch on what I say about others, even when I felt like it was the most harmless or insignificant matter. It's incredibly difficult to refrain from sharing something, especially when it's right on the tip of your tongue and you are dying to tell someone.

I came across a verse that Jesus said, "I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won't. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me...(John 8:26)

In this statement, Jesus demonstrates a deliberate choice not to verbally judge others, even when he probably had very valid reasons to do so. He acknowledged that he could say a lot about others but he makes the conscious decision not to. Instead, he focuses on speaking the truths he has learned from the father….”

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (James 1:26)