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Z.I.P. Your Lip Tips & More

Writer's picture: amysdudleyamysdudley

Mama, do you need a roll of duct tape for your mouth?





Sharing information is an important part of communication and building relationships, but it's equally important to know how to strike a balance and avoid oversharing.


James 1:19 (NIV)

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry."


First, ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment when you should ZIP or UNZIP your lips to speak. Hint: not everything is meant to be shared.


Submitting, asking and obeying first will help you stay in your lane, especially if you are a “nervous” talker or over-sharer.


Ephesians 4:29 (NIV):

"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."


3 quick and easy Z.I.P. Tips to help you WALK out the 2 Bible verses shared above:


Z = zealous (don’t overuse to compensate for your lack of knowledge, especially if you’re tired. Listen more than you speak)


I = impatient (stumbling block along with inadequate, intention or invitation. Build others up)


P = PRAY (while you’re silent, that your words bring life and are pleasing to God. Memorize James 1:19 and Ephesians 4:29)


Here’s some additional tips to the 3 simple Z.I.P. tips:

  1. Reflect on your motivations: Before sharing something, ask yourself why you want to share it. Are you seeking validation, attention, or trying to connect with someone? Understanding your motivations can help you gauge whether or not it's appropriate to share certain information.

  2. Consider the context: Think about the situation and the people you are interacting with. Is it a casual conversation with acquaintances, a professional setting, or a close friendship? Adjust the level of detail and personal information based on the context.

  3. Practice active listening: Develop the habit of actively listening to others rather than dominating conversations. Give others a chance to share and be mindful of how much you contribute. Remember, conversations are a two-way street.

  4. Set boundaries: Establish personal boundaries for yourself and respect the boundaries of others. Understand what topics or details are off-limits or make you uncomfortable, and avoid sharing them. Similarly, be aware of cues from others that they may not be comfortable with certain information.

  5. Consider the impact: Think about the potential consequences of sharing certain information. Will it affect your privacy, reputation, or relationships? If you're unsure, it's generally safer to err on the side of caution and share less rather than more.

  6. Gradually deepen relationships: Building trust and deepening relationships takes time. Start with sharing small, appropriate details about yourself and gradually reveal more as the relationship progresses. This allows both parties to feel comfortable and establishes a foundation of trust.

  7. Practice self-awareness: Pay attention to your own thoughts and emotions when sharing information. Notice if you feel a compulsion to over-share and try to understand the underlying reasons. Developing self-awareness can help you make conscious choices about what and how much you share.


Remember, finding the right balance between sharing (unzipping) and oversharing (zipping) is a skill that comes with practice and self-reflection. By being mindful of your intentions, tucking scripture (truth) in your heart, considering the context, and respecting boundaries, you can cultivate healthier and more balanced communication habit while walking in your True Identity.


Which tip from above are you working on? I'm working on #1, #4 and #7. I tend to bend toward over-sharing which gets me in trouble. I'm learning how to pause and ask if I need to share or not. Thank you Holy Spirit for teaching me.


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We WALK one step at a time,








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