Our words and deeds are irrevocable,
by J. R. Miller. But I tell you that
men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every
careless word they have spoken, Matthew 12, 36. we cannot recall any word we
have spoken. It may be a false word or an
unkind word, a word which will blast and burn. Instantly after
it has been spoken, we may wish it back and may rush after it
and try to stop it, but there is no power in the world that
can unsay the hurtful word or blot it out of our life. It is
just so with our acts. A moment after we have done a
wicked thing, we may bitterly repent it, we may be willing
to give all we have in the world to undo it, to make it as though
it never had been, but in vain. A deed done takes its place in
the universe as a fact and never can be recalled. We should be
sure before we speak a word or do an act that it is right, that
we shall never desire to have it recalled, for when once we
have opened our lips or lifted our hand, there will be no unsaying
or undoing possible. Our words and deeds are irrevocable. We cannot recall anything we
have done, neither can we change it. But by other words and deeds,
we may in some measure modify the effect of that which we cannot
blot out. Paul could not undo his persecution
of Christians, but by a life to devotion to Christ's cause,
he could in a sense make reparation for the terrible harm he had
done. Just so, we cannot undo the wrong things we have done.
But we should strive to set in motion other influences which
may at least compensate in some sense for the harm they have
wrought. We cannot unsay the sharp word which wounds our friend's
heart. But we can by kindness and loyal
devotion yet bring good and blessing to his life.