With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
James 3:10-11
When words tumble from our mouths, do they edify and build up one another (Ephesians 4:29) or do they maliciously and intentionally harm (Proverbs 26:28)? If the battle over the tongue is something that we continually lose every day, then we need to examine ourselves closely.
When you open your mouth to speak, the listener/s should benefit from the conversation. Out of the same mouth should never come both blessing and cursing (James 3:11) for when you curse someone, you’re cursing God’s creation. Get rid of all “bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander be removed from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31). Before responding to someone with malice in our hearts or in anger, we should put ourselves in their place and ask, Would I want someone to respond to me in this way? Regardless of how the person is acting, we have to always behave and respond in a Christlike manner.
Never speak with the intention to hurt someone. It’s not easy taming the tongue on our own and that’s why we have the perfect Helper in the Holy Spirit so rely on Him.
Bring the chains
Your lips of tragedy
Depeche Mode
Bind your lips with chains by meditating on these scriptures:
Job 15:3;6
Psalm 34:13; Psalm 141:3
Proverbs 10:19; 21:23
Ephesians 4:29
Colossians 4:6
James 1:26
1 Peter 3:10
Reflection
What do you find most challenging in taming your tongue?
Call on Jesus to help you to be mindful of the words you use and meditate on scriptures concerning the tongue.
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