If we use harsh words when talking to someone, those words can actually cut off the person’s ability to hear what we’re saying. When Jesus was betrayed by Judas, He didn’t retaliate even though He could have called twelve legions of angels to defend Him (see Matthew 26:53). Then the mob came, grabbed Him, and arrested Him. At that point, Peter drew his sword and cut off the high priest’s servant’s ear. He was probably thinking, ‘We don’t have to take this!’ But Jesus said that wasn’t the way to handle things. Then, ‘He touched the man’s ear and healed him’ (Luke 22:51 NIV).

Peter had a tendency to talk when he should have been listening, and got himself into things he shouldn't have been getting involved in. He needed to learn how to wait for God, and use humility and discernment while waiting. God had great plans for him, but if he wanted to fulfil them, he couldn’t do it by cutting off peoples’ ears whenever they upset him!

The message for us here is that we can’t lose our tempers and overreact whenever we feel anger rise up. We have to try and be sensitive to God’s Spirit. If He tells us, ‘Say nothing,’ then we must stand there quietly, even if it means letting someone think they’re right when we know they’re not. God doesn’t owe us an explanation for His strategies.  When we don’t control what we say, we can get in the way of our own spiritual growth or God’s blessings in our lives. It might not seem like a massive problem compared to other sins, but the Bible says, ‘Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin’ (Proverbs 13:3 NIV). 

What Now?

Ask God to help you to speak words that uplift others and allow His love to shine through.