The tongue has the power to create good or evil in our lives. What we choose to say can either build up or break down relationships.
Matthew 15:11 says, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” Before we speak, we always need to think if what we are about to say is necessary or even true? Would we like these words to be said about us? Is it worth it to spread this rumor? Believe me, I know how hard it is to not participate in gossip and spreading rumors, and you might even lose a few friends over the decision to withhold from speaking, but we need to remember that Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.”
Did you know that we ALWAYS have a choice when doing things? This is because God gave us the wonderful gift of free will! God has given all of us this incredible freedom to choose our words! So let us speak words that will bring glory, honor, and praise to God in all that we do. Let us choose words that are rooted in love and bring light and hope to those around us.
Live it out!
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Let us continuously encourage one another. Let us build up those who others may be breaking down. How can we practically do this? We could talk to the lonely person during lunch break, or go out of our way to visit an old age home.
We can also do this by spreading the good news through scripture, good news like we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Other good news could be that God loves us unconditionally with no strings attached. There is nothing we can do to earn the love of God; He already showed His love for us when Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead three days later.
James 3:7-8 says, “People can tame all types of creatures, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.” The battle to tame our tongue seems hopeless, but then Matthew 19:26 says, “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Let us ask God for his guidance and help in taming our tongue by: 1) Daily dedication of our hearts, minds, and tongue to God. 2) Praying that God will give us sensibility and understanding of the words that we speak. 3) Slowing down our complaints and instead choosing to be grateful for what we have and every situation that we face. 4) Asking God for forgiveness for any unloving words spoken. 5) Continually speaking words that’ll encourage, comfort, and inspire those around us.
Guarding what we say is not effortless, and it will take a long time to get our words on the right track. Thankfully though, we have the Holy Spirit as our guide. We should make it a daily habit to ask the Holy Spirit for his guidance in all that we do, including the words we speak.
Psalm 141:3 says, “Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.” We should make this our daily prayer as we become better people who speak life-giving words into others’ lives.