Manna for Your Morning

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. — Psalm 103:2-3 (NLT) We are forgiven! The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. (Psalm 103:8 NASB) He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. (Psalm 103:10-12 NLT) Let us be like our heavenly Father, and give grace to others. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. (Colossians 3:13) Instead of bearing grudges, build bridges. Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you. ...

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. — Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Let us exercise wisdom and choose to speak words that build others up instead of tearing them down. With understanding, choose words that are helpful. The words of the godly encourage many…Proverbs 10:21a (NLT). The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Proverbs 12:18 NIV). Our words can cut and injure others or our words can be like a soothing balm that heals. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving]; — James 1:19 (AMP) Be quick to hear. Take the time to listen and get understanding. And when you do speak, do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29 NIV). The tongue of the wise promotes health. (Proverbs 12:18b NKJV). May we choose our words carefully. Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man. — Acts 24:16 (NIV) May we be like the Apostle Paul, and do our absolute best to maintain a clear conscience in the sight of God and people. That means we walk in God's ways, loving all people and showing partiality to no one.  We bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone (Colossians 3:13). And we do not let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). Amen!

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: — Hebrews 12:14 (NKJV) In the process of pursuing peace, let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29). And remember, a gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare (Proverbs 15:1, NLT).