How to Think with Grace and Speak with Purpose
Are you gifted with tongue control? I suppose in this age of the internet, the question is better asked, “How skilled are you at controlling your words so you can speak with purpose?”
It’s not unusual for me to get to the end of the day with a list of things I wish I’d left unsaid. My repentant prayers most nights include my thoughts and words that failed to glorify God.
Jesus said that our sinful thoughts produce our rebellious, sinful words…
“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
Matthew 12:34b
The Life Application Bible Notes add:
What kinds of words come from your mouth? That is an indication of what is in your heart. You can’t solve your heart problems, however, just by cleaning up your speech. You must allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with new attitudes and motives, then your speech will be cleansed at its source.
But we struggle. Our sinful human nature is working against those new attitudes and motives.
That’s not an excuse. It’s an explanation.
So, what should we do to grow stronger inside and better control what we speak on the outside? How can we think with grace and speak with purpose for God’s glory?
Paul wrote…
One final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:8
And…
Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:6
But both things are easier said than done, aren’t they?
If you and I want to focus on the Lord, think with grace and speak with purpose, we need to “be still and know” God through His Word and prayer every day.
So, let’s pray God’s Word and ask Him to help us control our attitudes and words.
Verses and Prayers to Think
with Grace and Speak with Purpose
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Galatians 5:22–23a
Father God, I’ve learned that I’m prone to restlessness when I fail to take time to rest in Your presence. I want my life to express love, joy, peace, patience, and all the fruit of the Spirit, but I’m inconsistent. The less time I spend with You, the less I focus on You, and the more I express selfish, prideful attitudes with ungodly words. Please forgive me.
With Your Spirit’s help, I will set aside time each day to study Your Word and sit in prayer. I will listen to music and watch entertainment that focuses on things that please You and fill my heart with gratitude and praise.
On my own, I won’t, but with Your Spirit, I can! You are the source of GRACE, who gives me Purpose. Amen.
Lord, help me control my tongue; help me be careful about what I say.
Psalm 141:3 (NCV)
Father God, David prayed…
O Lord, I am calling to you. Please hurry!
Listen when I cry to You for help!
Accept my prayer as incense offered to You,
and my upraised hands as an evening offering.
(Psalm 141:1-2)
…before he asked You to help him control his tongue. He prayed to honor You by speaking carefully.
I pray that as well. I love You, Lord, and want everything I think, say, and do to honor You. I know I fall short, but I also believe that You are faithful to give me what I need when I surrender myself to You through my Savior, Jesus.
He spoke with purpose. He intentionally shared Your TRUTH, showing us Your love and teaching us Your will. Your Word tells me I need to control my tongue. Please help me trust and obey You with my words.
You promise to give me everything I need. I believe that’s the attitude and words needed to live for Your glory. Amen.
My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.
James 1:19–20
Heavenly Father, I want to be a better listener. I’m prone to speaking my thoughts and opinions rather than listening with patience, understanding, kindness, and compassion. When I don’t agree, my frustration is too often expressed with words that fail to persuade or unite. Please forgive me.
Everyone has experienced situations and circumstances that have formed their beliefs and attitudes. Not everyone is blessed to KNOW, LOVE, and TRUST You. Please help me.
I want to live according to Your will. I want to accomplish Your righteousness with my thoughts and my words. Please give me what I need to hide Your Word in my heart so that I might speak with purpose, sharing the truth of Your promises to a hurting world.
Work in me and make me more like Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.
The wisdom of Solomon had a lot to say about the way we speak…
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.
Proverbs 21:23
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 12:18
Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
Proverbs 16:24
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23
Finally, here are a couple of quotes to think about…
“Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out.” ~ Unknown
“You won’t have to watch what you say if you watch what you think.” ~ Bill Johnson.
“Words are a powerful tool, and it’s important to use them with care. Whether you’re speaking or writing, think about the impact your words will have on others, and choose your words wisely.” ~ Unknown.
May the Lord bless us and give us everything we need to think with grace and speak with purpose. May we be blessed with attitudes that please Him and words that give Him glory.
We would love to pray for you.
You can leave your prayer requests here…
and even take a few minutes to pray over the list left by our friends.
Never Miss an Update
Leave your email address and I’ll send you a short email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to alert you to each new devotion. Plus you’ll receive a copy of 30 Ways to Bless Your Marriage and Keep the Spark Burning
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi” and share your thoughts in the comments below.
And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…
Thanks again for visiting! Don’t forget to check out the links below to find additional posts that will bless you…
Gosh, this morning during my prayer time (very early this morning) I was praying and asking God to help me with my thoughts and words. I asked for a positive attitude and a loving attitude to others, seeing the good in them and not the negative. Then when I turned on the computer and saw your post, I felt like an answer is given to my morning prayer. I really and truly needed this today. It is a post I will read again and ponder the verses and the wisdom you imparted as well.
It is good to know that I am not the only one who prays at night for God to forgive me for the things I said or thought I had that were not an honor to HIM!
I am thankful that HE is a loving and forgiving God who understands and sees the good in me, even if I have failed to do the same for others. I truly am going to work on this and the verses you sent are some that I will reread and try to put into practice.
Thank you, Deb! I appreciate you so much!
May God bless you today and always with safety and wellness and lots of love!!!!
Me too, Sue! I would be so lost were it not for God’s grace, mercy, and love. I thank the Lord for you and your friendship! Blessings, my friend!
Our tongues will betray us unless God guards our hearts and minds. And you’re so right, Deb – we can’t do this on our own; we need the grace of the Holy Spirit to give God the glory whenever we speak. Blessings!
Sadly, it’s so true, Martha! Even though I want to carefully guard my thoughts and words, I fall short far too often. Praise God for His grace, mercy, and love. And for the ever-present help of His Spirit. Blessings, dear friend!