We have a round above ground pool in our back yard. It’s been a great blessing to us this scorching summer in the South. Our girls have a favorite game we play in the pool. We put the little people on tubes and then hubby and I run around the perimeter of the pool making a whirlpool. After a few turns around the kids can just ride the current around the pool. Their squeals of delight threaten to shatter glass. They couldn’t stop if they tried.

Have you ever been a part of a not so fun whirlpool? The kind where someone says something unkind or untrue and before you know it a whole mess of trouble has been stirred up? The thing about a whirlpool is even if you stop, the current keeps going…and going…and going. Which means many people can be hurt by one untruthful or unkind remark.

Let’s guard our tongues and make sure that every conversation we have is truthful AND kind.

Ephesians 4: 29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,e guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.