When “Oops” Is Not Enough

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. James 3:2
I have never claimed to be a perfect man. Sometimes I stumble in ways that actually hurt others. Did you ever say something you shouldn’t have, and it hurt someone without your intent? I have.
Matter of fact, I just did last week.
Flip Wilson used to have his character “Geraldine” say “The Devil made me do it!” I really don’t want to give Ol’ Scratch too much credit. If he had a hand in it, so did I.
I’ve spent the intervening hours feeling bad about it and smacking myself in the forehead - which doesn’t help the one I offended. Nor does it help me, other than a renewed desire to more strongly discipline myself against future failures. I’ve played the scene over a few thousand times in my head, thinking of all the ways I could have had that conversation without wounding. There were quite a few, in fact. Many ways to bless, but out of my mouth came the opposite.
I usually keep a pretty close watch on what I say, but I have spent a lot of years loving “wise-cracks”, and sometimes they sneak out of mouth when I’m not being careful enough. There’s nothing “wise” about them, but they can - and do - cause cracks in relationships.
I’m not excusing, just explaining. I tell you the truth, if I could backtrack and stop myself from saying that stupid thing, I would. Next best thing is to keep a guard over my tongue to prevent future outrages. Did you know the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body? I thought you might.
The tongue is a fire, a world of evil. Placed among the parts of our bodies, the tongue contaminates the whole body and sets on fire the course of life, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6
And then there’s this:
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matt 12:36-37
Oops is not enough. The power of words to harm is something God takes seriously - and He expects us to as well. I wish I had something clever or funny to say here, but I can’t think of anything. So, learn from my mistake. Use your words to build and heal, and not to wound. Aim for perfection in your conversation. You’ll be glad you did!