Few things are as unique to the human experience as putting your foot in your mouth. Sometimes we do it unintentionally, carelessly. Other times, we lash out aiming to do the most amount of damage as is verbally possible. We all have the tendency and the propensity to do it, especially when not leaning on the Holy Spirit to temper our emotions.

And yes, I am also speaking to myself.

Do you see God as a friend, or as a distant entity? Do you see His commands as necessities to your life, or as guidelines often ignored? 

The mark of a maturing Christian is the one who embraces the Lord’s teachings as life-giving guidance and turns to God in joy and exuberance in communion. When you see God’s counsel as if it were trusted advice from your best friend, you know you’re in a good place. You’ve drawn near to the Lord not as a wish-fulfiller or a militant box-checker, but as a sister or a faithful companion.