Speaking the Truth in Love
(based=
on 1
Corinthians 13:4-8)
My speech is patient,
My speech is kind.
My speech is not rooted in envy,
My speech does not boast,
My speech is not a reaction to my need to look superior to oth=
ers.
My speech is not disrespectful of others,
My speech is not rooted in a desire to get my own way or promo=
te
my image or will over the needs of others,
My speech is not an explosive reaction to the things in others
that frustrate me or make me afraid,
My speech is not a reaction to old hurts or disappointments th=
at I
have not forgiven of others.
My speech does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth=
.
My speech always seeks to protect the dignity of others,
My speech always communicates a sense of trust for others,
My speech always expresses a sense of hope for and in others,<= o:p>
My speech always communicates my willingness to trust God and
endure with hope and confidence, even in situations or relationships that a=
re
not going well.
My speech constantly reflects my conviction to never give up on
God or other people, even when we disagree, because I choose to believe that
God’s love and power and plan will overcome everything that seems to
indicate there is no hope so I should just quit.