“Conviction”

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 4:29

My daughter cries when she gets angry. She came home sobbing. “I’m done,” were the only words I got from her that night. Later she shared that she felt anger for the group of girls who she considered her friends at church. A prayer request was given for a former girl in the group that was now living with her boyfriend. The request turned to gossip, and my daughter’s stomach churned with emotion. She spoke up, but the conversation did not stop. She excused herself from the room.

Righteous anger; it can be a good thing. Jesus turned over the tables outside of the Temple when he found the moneychangers doing business there. My daughter’s anger may have been righteous, but I don’t think she shared it with the group of friends; she was too hurt.

From the experience, she had a conviction to separate herself from the idle gossip. She knew that the discussion had turned from a loving prayer request to character assassination. I applaud her conviction to do the next right thing and separate herself from the situation.

Application

Speak words that build up.

Prayer

Father, send the conviction to my heart to honor you in all I do and say.