Taming the Tongue
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.
Ephesians 4:29
How often do we speak our words with little thought or speak our words directly from our emotions? How important and how powerful do you think your words can be? Our words can encourage people or our words can hurt people, it’s our choice.
No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:8) This verse is not very encouraging it says no man can tame the tongue. So how do we tame the tongue and get control of the words we speak? Jesus looked at them and said, With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) This verse tells us that we can control our words through the power of God. God fills our heart with his love, changing how we relate to people and therefore changing our words A changed heart gives us Godly loving thoughts about others which is reflected by our words.
Even with a heart filled with God’s love, we are subject to bypass Godly wisdom and respond from our emotion. Satan is always trying to get us to speak immediately from our emotions and not seek Godly wisdom. His goal is to keep us from seeking the Lord, by controlling our thoughts and words through our emotions, such as fear and anger. This is a temptation for all of us but through the power of God we can control our words no matter what people say to us or what situation is occurring. This requires we have strong secure identity in Christ and the habit of quickly seeking his guidance. My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) If we can train ourselves to be quick to listen and slow to speak, it will give us time to seek Godly wisdom and we will have the satisfaction of being in control. The other person will not have control over us, but God gives us control through his love and power.
Today seek to use your words carefully. Focus on using your words to encourage others and to speak kindly to others. Realize the power God gives you through his Word, and use your words wisely. Be extra careful with your words to those you love the most and those closest to you.
Prayer: Lord, give me patience in my thoughts and words today, that my words may be guided by the Holy Spirit. Let my words be caring and uplifting to others especially to my family. Thank you Lord for taming my tongue and my thoughts. In Jesus name, Amen