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Together in Christ: 'Keep It Short and Simple' — Proverbs 10:19 Saturday, July 13, 2024 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. — Proverbs 10:19 NLT Key Thought Most of us have made a mess of things at one time or another. Many of us have also made a bigger mess by trying to explain, rationalize, defend, justify, and excuse our sinful and hurtful words and actions. The more we try to make it seem better, the worse we hurt others and deepen the hole we've dug for ourselves. When we sin, we must confess it, turn from doing it, and ask for forgiveness. [1] Multiplying our words of explanation, defense, or justification only makes the sin more offensive. Our defensiveness makes the division between us far worse. Let's heed the straightforward truth of today's relationship proverb! [1] James 1:19-20, 5:16. TODAY'S PRAYER O, Father, I need Your help to hold my tongue and refuse to be defensive when I have sinned. Forgive me for trying to hold on to my sense of dignity and self-justification in sinful experiences. Help me reconcile with those hurt by my sin and my flood of words seeking to justify my wrong behavior. Heal those relationships and use me to be your vessel of honor, healing, and redemption through the power of the Holy Spirit. [A] In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. [A] 2 Timothy 2:20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Matthew 18:1-35 James 5:16-20