If you’re like me, you’ve put your foot in your mouth at some point in your life. Sometimes untruths have spewed from my lips. At other times my words have hurt another or been plain ugly.

Let’s face it, our tongues have a way of getting us into trouble. If it were not so, I suspect James would not have written nearly a whole chapter devoted to the taming of the tongue (James 3:1-12).

James doesn’t mince words when he points out that we praise God this tongue of ours and yet we also say harsh things to those around us (James 3:9). Oh how this tongue of ours can get us into trouble.

And yet, Jesus, James’ half-brother was able to live a life that exemplified gracious words. His lips never uttered an untruth. Take a look at these passages of Scripture.

“All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. ‘Isn’t this Joseph’s son?’ they asked.” (Luke 4:22 – NIV)

“They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.” (Luke 4:32 – NIV)

Grace and truth radiated from Jesus. Those who heard His message could see it and believe it. However, those whose hearts were hardened to Jesus’ truth were unable to understand His message.

John 1:14 (NIV) tells us, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus came to us filled with grace and truth. It is the very essence of who He is and what He came to earth to accomplish.

A few verses later, John stated “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 – NIV) God sent Jesus to offer grace and truth to those who would believe. As we come to believe Jesus and His truth and accept His grace, we find freedom. Jesus’ truth will set us free (John 8:32).

If Jesus is grace and truth, then He is the standard by which we are to live.

Each day as we venture into this world (or sometimes before we even leave the house) our words need to be covered by Jesus’ grace and truth. Our words should be tempered by Jesus’ grace and truth. How blessed we are to have God’s Spirit within us to help us along the way.

Now we know there are folks who tell the truth in an unkind fashion. The Apostle Paul mentioned in Ephesians 4:15 that we are to “speak the truth in love.” Love and kindness should always accompany God’s truth. When you encounter a person who is unable to be gracious in their speech, we must remember to stick to Jesus’ standard. Speak as Jesus spoke. They may never get it, but you can and should.

Truth must always prevail, but grace must be truths’ companion.

Today, let’s make an extra effort to speak kind and gracious words. Let’s make an effort to allow only truth to flow from our lips. Today, let’s make an effort to be more like Jesus when it comes to our speech.

I’ll close with one more verse. Psalm 19:14 (NIV). “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

Grace and peace (and truth) be yours in abundance,

Donna