AUGUST 3, Ephesians 4:29 

As John angrily stomped out of the room, a swear word exploded from his lips. “John! Come back here!” Mom ordered. John returned, and gritted his teeth as he stared at the floor. “Did you say what I think you said?” asked Mom. John did not answer. “You know we don’t tolerate swearing,” said Mom sternly, “and you know the punishment for it.”

“But, Mom, I didn’t mean to swear,” John pleaded. “All the guys at school say that word and... and it just slipped out. But I’ll be more careful! I promise it won’t happen again. I’m sorry! I really am!”

Mom sighed and looked at him closely. “I believe you are,” she decided. “Well... all right. We’ll forget it this time.”

Later that evening, loud, angry words burst from John’s room. “How many times have I told you not to touch my things??” he roared.

As Mom started down the hall, she heard Tina’s voice. “I just wanted to borrow a pencil,” whimpered Tina. “I didn’t mean to break anything. I’m sorry.”

“ That’s what you always say, but you don’t leave my things alone. You’re not really sorry! You’re just sorry you got caught,” scolded John. “You think I’ll forget about it if you cry.” He didn’t see his mother come into the room, and he swore softly as he bent over to pick up a broken model plane.

“John!” At the sound of Mom’s voice, Tina scooted out, and John jumped and dropped the model. “I’m afraid Tina isn’t the only one who’s ‘sorry’ about getting caught,”said Mom.“Didn’t you tell me this afternoon you were sorry you swore and that you wouldn’t do it again?”John nodded slowly. “God says we are to repent when we sin and to turn from it,” continued Mom. “True repentance is more than saying a few words of apology. It is being sorry enough for what you have done to make every effort to stop doing it.” She held up her hand to stop John from interrupting her as she spoke. “We have no excuse to continue in sin. God is able to help us to overcome sin, we need to be determined to stop, and depend on God for the power to do so.” She shook her head as she added, “And we can’t overlook your words this time.”

Thought: Do you often mutter bad or angry language? And when someone like mummy or daddy catches you, are you being truthful when you say “I’m sorry”? Or do you sometimes say it simply to stay out of trouble?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I guard my speech so that it is gracious and edifying to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.