In the last week of October, I went on a cruise with a group of Christian singles. I have never laughed so hard, loved so deeply and enjoyed the presence of everyone as immensely as I did that group of Christian singles. We bonded so well that before we touched land we were quickly planning our next trip together. It was a delight.

Interspersed with the laughter and shore excursions our leaders, Jon and Julia, led Bible studies and we had a time of prayer. I enjoyed that but the most memorable event occurred on the way home. I was so blessed to have ridden with my friends Jon, Glenda, and Brenda to and from the Galveston port.

Jon is super immersed into the spiritual realm and started talking about things which most humans have no knowledge of. Soon Glenda shyly spoke up and said that she had a story to tell.

Her dad had died and was dead for twelve minutes. While she was at the hospital during this time of crisis he finally woke up. His eyes filled with tears because as a young child she had a stuttering problem. Instead of being patient and kind with his daughter, as she struggled to speak, he was rude and unfeeling. After he died, he was taken to a place where he felt her pain, as if it had been him who stuttered. With tears rolling down his cheeks he begged her forgiveness for how he had treated her. She readily forgave him.

I have always wondered why I can’t put people in their place with words that hurt. Many times after the fact I think up the cutting answer which would have shut them down. After Glenda’s story, I realize that it may be the Holy Spirit who is holding my tongue in check.

In Matthew 12:36 The word of the Lord says:  “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

I know without a doubt that God’s word is true and this story confirms the many times that the Holy Spirit has held me back from speaking my peace.

In a day and age when politicians and the media speak hate and division, may we as Christian speak love and unity. For we will be held accountable for every single word which we speak upon the day of judgment.