If you have not already done so, please go to Revive Our Hearts to download the Encouragement Challenge.

Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ^‍2‍ We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. James 3:1-2 (NIV)

A word of caution for anyone considering leadership: You will be tested on the subject you teach.

I confess. I blew it, big time. I could make all kinds of excuses, but the reality is, I emotionally spewed all over my poor husband. He’s been working so hard to help out while my back is refusing to do its job and I blew it. But. . .

I apologized. We prayed. and we’ve moved on.

Let’s listen more to what James has to say.

He spends the next several verses discussing the futility of taming the tongue, then ends the section with these words:

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (v. 9-12)

I’ve learned something in the past year. I’ve found it is impossible to remain angry with my husband if I am truly praising God. When my heart is worshiping the Prince of Peace, He so overfills my life that all anger and frustrations are washed away.

So, what happened? Well, recently, I’ve been in so much pain, I’ve replaced my “praising time” with extra rest time, creating a void in my heart. Other times, I just don’t want to give up the anger. I know once I start praising, I won’t get a chance to say what I want, so I refuse to worship until I’ve said my piece. Again, I thank God for His grace that is causing me to continuously grow in Him.

So, my challenge to you today: Choose a life of praise.

My Turn:
I am grateful that my husband is so merciful. He doesn’t remember yesterday’s disagreements, and never brings up my past failures. He always encourages, always believes, and always hopes.

Pray for your husband:
Lord, I pray that you would bless my husband today. Let him see the strength of Your gentleness and cause that aspect of Your character to grow in him.

 (Again, this post was written a couple weeks ago. My back is fine now.)