It is so important to make sure that what we say is loving, encouraging and uplifting. As a follower of Jesus, I have been reminded again and again that our tongue is the most powerful and destructive muscle in our body.
A book in the bible that is all about speech and how we must cautiously say things is the book of James. Our tongue can bring hurt, pain, and if we are not careful, destruction to relationships. No wonder James described the tongue as a small but influential potentially destructive member of our body. (James 3:12)
‘’Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire.’’
James 3:5-6
Like wow! That is intense hey?!
But seriously, our tongue is smaller than our brain and yet the tongue is sharp. James is one of my favourite books in the bible because it hits hard and makes me want to change the way I speak, not only to others but also about myself.
You know we have all said wrong things and not used the gift of speech in the right way. We are not perfect and the only person who is, is Jesus. But by repenting, moving on and striving to change is good enough in the eyes of Jesus.
‘’But, I the LORD, search ALL hearts and examine secret motives, I give ALL people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.’’
Jeremiah 17:10
After all, He knows our hearts and knows what we are capable of. He made us precisely and we are beautiful children of God. Therefore, our speech should line up to that. If we truly know who we are in Jesus, then our speech should prove it.
‘’Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be…..Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.’’
James 3:10 and 12
Whether this is the first time you have heard the name Jesus or you have heard it for most of your life. We should most definitely not be swearing and using the Lord’s name in vain. It is sin. If you have decided to follow Jesus, we should not be using our tongue in this way! Period!
Let’s make sure we use our mouths as a compass that will lead others to Jesus.
- L Woolley
It is important to understand that when we encourage, edify, or correct, we become a source of life and nourishment, not just for ourselves but for others.
Friends, we can not praise our heavenly father and then the next minute speak about one of His children in a sinful manner. It just does not work. If we are in a relationship with Jesus, He has transformed us and yes we still do say things, because we are human. But, that's why repentance is so important.
‘’With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.’’
James 3:9
Our speech should most certainly not be degrading others whilst we praise our heavenly father. We are all made in the image of God. Therefore when we say something about another child of God, it is saying that God’s creation isn’t good, BUT IT IS!
My friend, I want you to open your heart to God today and to repent of all the things you have ever said that was not building up a fellow brother or sister. Or something you said about yourself. God is listening.
God loves you and He knows we get things wrong but we can come to Him and ask Him to help us to know what we should change. God can change the hardest of hearts. That is just who He is!
Let’s from now on allow Jesus to help us to use our tongue in the right way, in the heavenly way. Whatever we ask, Jesus listens. He is not absent in our lives but is always present. He can guide us and give us wisdom when we ask for help. All we have to do is invite him into our hearts.
The decision to follow Jesus, doesn't mean we get things right all the time and are perfect. It means that we are saved and have been set free from the bondage of sin. After all, we are humans and we will always get things wrong, but by God’s amazing grace we can live each new day with Him. Exploring His greatness and His perfect love that is everlasting!
Let’s choose to use our mouth as a compass for Jesus!
‘’May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my rock and my redeemer,’’
Psalm 19:14
AMEN!
Like, Comment and Share this blog to your friends! Lets, encourage, inspire, uplift and bless our brothers and sisters with this truth!
Love you all,
God bless you,
Lois (Founder of The Art of Everyday Blog)
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