TAMED TONGUE
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)
On average, the tongue weighs about two to three ounces and is one of the most dangerous threats to our church. The tongue is also one of the biggest blessings of our spiritual growth. The Bible tells us that the tongue gives us life or death. Every day we decide whether to use our tongue for good, to help others grow or for destruction, to tear others down. When we tear others down, it only leads us to shame, guilt and even broken relationships. When we build others up, we connect, grow and show others the love of Christ. As believers, we should aim to be kind, gentle and pure in our speech, whether it's to strangers or our loved ones.
Before coming to Christ, my speech was often filled with profanity, and there was a time when I gave little thought to what came out of my mouth. I didn't fully recognize the pain my words could cause until I said something deeply hurtful to someone I truly cared about. Seven years later, I still regret those words. I once heard our words compared to toothpaste: once you squeeze it out of the tube, you can't put it back. The same is true of what we say. Once spoken, our words cannot be taken back.
Thankfully, God is ready and willing to help us use our words to speak life into others. We can ask the Holy Spirit to guide our speech and examine what is happening in our hearts. As we invite God to renew our hearts and fill them with His life and love, our words can begin to reflect the work He is doing within us.
Starting today, help the next person grow by speaking life and encouragement to them. Our words are powerful and can have lasting consequences. Our words can be the light that helps someone see Jesus in us, or a sword that inflicts permanent wounds—your choice.
Remember, kind words are like honey—sweet for the soul and healthy for the body.
APPLICATION: How careful are you in your speech to others? Do you build them up or tear them down? Ask the Lord to help you speak life to others, even those who wrong you.
PRAYER: Lord, I pray You help me to be careful in my speech today. Allow me to speak with kindness, gentleness and truthfulness. If someone needs encouragement or prayer, I pray we cross paths and that You give me the right words to say. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don’t let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?