my soap journal

Scripture:

Luke 6:37 “Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you.”

Observation:

Heh – another NLT specialty that should really be translated as “don’t condemn” rather than “don’t criticize.” Que sera, sera. Sometime before Christmas break I realized (again) how critical I am and how ugly it is. Every criticism is devoid of grace, compassion, and empathy. Though the verse could be interpreted to mean other people will criticize you, the sentiments themselves tend to just sit, like poison, in my soul resulting in far more retribution than any external result.

Application:

I need to have more grace, more compassion, and more empathy. Though I can’t immediately change my thoughts, I can change whether I express them, and if controlling my tongue is anything like a bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a ship, then hopefully I can change my thoughts.

Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for being a critical person – redeem me. Please help me control my tongue, and beyond just not being critical, please fill me with grace, fill me with compassion, and fill me with empathy – so much that they overflow.