Twelve years ago, I served in a ministry teaching the Bible to marginalized youth—many of the kids hoarded food for the next meal, showed up without a jacket on a cold winter day, or wondered where they would sleep that night, but all seemed unaware of their need for a Savior. During those years, I met Gregory.
A strong-willed, charismatic, and creative boy, Gregory was labeled a troublemaker from day one. Week after week, words from parents, teachers, and friends cut him down until he no longer believed anything good about himself. God showed me that before Gregory could hear the truth of how his heavenly Father saw him, I had to faithfully show up for him.
Gregory taught me a sobering truth: Words can speak life—or death. That kind of power demands responsibility. Week after week with those kids, I practiced pausing and responding with patience and noticed the Spirit used my words to build up rather than tear down. In what often felt like heartbreak on repeat, God demonstrated the everyday power of the tongue.
James says that “with the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9). Our words reveal how we see others. Do I see the person before me as made in the image of God, in need of the same grace I depend on?
The danger of words lies in their lasting power—they can affirm goodness or become lies that damage identity and relationships. Because of Jesus’s work on the cross, we can allow the Spirit to direct not only our words, but our whole lives, like a bit guiding a horse or a rudder steering a ship (vv.3–4). Still, our humanity tempts us to excuse the careless things we say. The psalmist warned that “what is worthless is exalted by the human race” (Psalm 12:8), and James added, “Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth….these things should not be this way” (James 3:10). Only with the Spirit can we control the uncontrollable.
But this difficult, worthwhile struggle leads us toward wholeness. James wrote, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body” (v.2). This maturity points us toward our ultimate purpose—walking with the Spirit toward wholeness. Gregory didn’t need perfect words from me—he needed faithful presence, consistent truth, and words aligned with action. By the power of the Spirit, in time, life-giving words began to replace the lies. I witnessed Gregory transform, believing he was worthy of God’s love and blessing.
Jesus taught, “the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart. A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good” (Matthew 12:34–35). Storing up good starts right here, meeting with Jesus, reading God’s word to know and love Him more.
Lord, fill us with Your goodness so our words might overflow life—for Gregory and for those You place before us today.
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106 thoughts on "Controlling the Tongue"
I wrote out a short prayer after reading today’s scripture. Nothing fancy just want came to my mind.
Lord,
Help me to produce good fruit, to guard my tongue and be mindful of what I say. May I truly think before I speak. Forgive me for words that have been spoken which have hurt and caused lasting wounds. In your name, Amen.
One of my sin struggles is reactivity. Speaking before thinking and simply responding from impulse and often anger, frustration, fear, and/or a need for control. The Lord has been gracious in calling my attention to this issue and I am hopeful that he will continue working in me to help speak life, rather than death. I praise the Lord for his kindness in correction.
Lord, fill me with your word so when you place those before me, i can use your words wisely to enrich a person and not cause harm! Amen
My words matter more than I often realize and I need to remember to pause before speaking, especially when I feel emotional or reactive!
Being sinful beings- one of the most helpful things I’ve ever heard was “you can’t control the first thought that comes to mind, but you can control the second…” that is so true. And taking pause, and being slow to speak, as James teaches- helps reinforce that pause- to think about what we’re about to say….
Such a powerful reading and lesson. ♥️
Thank you Lord for this message. This is something I struggle with. I’m not one to judge and say mean things but I feel I am on the other end with bully moms who speak terribly of me. I don’t know how to overcome that. Words hurt. Isolating treatment hurts and it’s hard for me to find grace right now for them. I know they deserve grace but my pride is in the way. I pray for help
This blessed my inner man, the tongue is extremely dangerous BUT with the Lord on our side who can be against us… Amazing word, Lord we thank u…
So moved by this story and how God placed you and your words
❤️✝️ Lord I pray that you would teach me to use my words to lift up and encourage my students, and to be a light in their lives. Amen
When we speak with our mouths it reveals what your heart is full of, because God looks at what is on the inside not the outside. Our tongue is meant for speaking truth and life into people just like Jesus does for us❤️✝️
I often pray, “Lord put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth”.
That’s good! Lol
Love this Penni!
I pray that I would use my words more to build up my two girls, my husband and myself. I think sometimes I need to just stop talking, because sometimes my tongue starts saying things I didn’t mean to say.
The timing of god is truly perfect this book has spoken to in such a way. ❤️❤️
Very timely message here today. So much hate is expressed on the internet and even the news, that easily radicalized people believe it is okay to kill those we disagree with. Kill! How did we get here?
I knew I was in trouble the moment I saw the title of today’s lesson, I just knew that conviction was awaiting!
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Our very small body part (compared to other parts) the tongue is a fire, a world of evil. Full of deadly poison. Wow! Wow, wow!
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This little body part that we have the power to control – is SO deadly! That alone shook me awake this morning! I don’t want to be spewing deadly poison around, yet every day I am in danger of doing so…if I don’t learn (and re-learn) how to tame the tongue. And the only way to do that is to lean into the power of the Holy Spirit.
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I know I’ve hurt many people over the years, whether intentional or not, by things I’ve said. The worst part about our deadly words, is that they can’t be taken back and they can cause deep, deep wounds that can take a long time (if ever) to heal.
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And even more sobering than the James passage is Matthew 12:36-37.
As believers, we will not be judged for our sins, but we will be held accountable for our words. Will we lose our salvation? No, but we will lose out on some of our eternal rewards. How sad that will be.
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Consider this…
→”Scripture implies there will be two major judgments taking place in the end. Christ will be judge at both. One is for all who have rejected Christ (John 3:36) and refused God’s gift of eternal life through putting their faith in Jesus.
→The other judgment will be of those who are Christians. This is sometimes called the judgment seat of Christ, or the “Bema seat.” There, Jesus will examine each believer’s words and works and determine what rewards will be given or withheld in eternity (2 Corinthians 5:10). That judgment does not determine eternal destiny, nor can a believer lose their salvation there (John 10:28).
→”He says in this verse that a person’s own words will justify or condemn him—including even the most casual or careless remarks (Matthew 12:36). This ties the principle back into daily life: words reveal what is truly in a person’s heart.” (from Bible Ref)
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It has caused me to pause today and to purpose in my heart to be aware of every spoken and thought word. How truly sad I will be if I stand before Jesus only to find out I’ve lost some eternal rewards because of my unruly tongue.
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This has been and will continue to be my daily prayer, as it is a daily battle – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14
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@Heidi – praise God for the clarity that He gave you, and in such a timely manner! Happy for you that your friend is willing to meet you for lunch. I will be praying for your meet up.
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Happy Thursday She’s – praying for your requests.
thank you Sharon! I love when this is clarified! And I believe yesterday, when the question was stated about everyone bowing to Jesus and able to accept him— that ONLY before our death do we have that chance you clarified! That’s why it matters that we know our bibles and keep being good stewards if the word.
❤️ …I love how we can learn from each other here and sharpen each others faith!
Yes that thought is sobering Sharon! To stand before Jesus and have to account for our words. Ouch! I really need a lot of work in this area.
Makes me sad how may rewards I’ve already lost. :( Praise Jesus my salvation is sure!
*many rewards
Thank you!! I’m so grateful we all serve a God who doesn’t condemn or shame, but steps alongside and is gentle, even helping us out of the messes WE get ourselves into! ❤️
“God, our Father, I want to be a real Christian. I can be so causal and callous with my words. Awaken me to the power of my words and grant me the grace of restraint to withhold harshness. Train my words to speak truth in love, but even more to bless other with the power of your Word. In Jesus’s name, amen.” Pastor JD Walt.
Words create worlds. This is from the same source.
About 10 years ago or so, I met a “Gregory” at our school. I worked in before and after school care. He had a sweet cute little brother, but he, himself was known as a troublemaker and he said it himself. And was being raised by a single working mom. As a mom, my heart ached for this child and I remember telling him not to say those things about himself and that he was well capable of becoming anything and do great things. Those may have not been my exact words, but I do remember trying to let him know he is worthy. This child was already setting himself up for failure, I hope he recalls or it’s made known to him he’s a precious child of God. I don’t know what ever happened to him as they moved away, but it’s readings like today that remind of children like him. I don’t remember his name, but God does. So to the “Gregory” out there, I pray you put your trust in JESUS and know that you are wonderfully and fearfully made!
I prayed for good teachers to speak into my grandson, since he too, thought so bad of himself. And he did recently tell me, now at 18, that he did in fact have some good teachers that helped him with his troubles.
We are all so thankful for you all, especially at that young, susceptible age teachers that have a heart for kids.
Ladies,
I have to share this tidbit.
When I was raising my children, I often told them, “What’s down in the well comes up in the bucket.”
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They knew what I meant because it was repeated to them so many times. What we fill our minds and hearts with is what will flow from our mouths.
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So whenever they said harsh words to each other, they knew what mom would tell them…
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And now I’m blessed to hear them say it to their children. ❤️
I love that, GramsieSue. yes, it blesses my heart to hear my children repeat to their children and their grandchildren wise saying that we’ve passed down. Even though they were very paraphrased, the biblical truth was behind it. Sometimes they repeat the silly stuff too, its ok.
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yes, I love this too, I have never heard that saying!
I pray Steves is doing good?!
Psalm 19:14 says:
“May my words and my thoughts
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer.”
I pray it often over myself as I can be sarcastic with the best of them. I need to do a spiritual checkup regularly and analyze whether my words bring blessing or cursing on myself or those around me.
I am sarcastic, I just assume everyone gets that, or I am just trying to shoot my thoughts at them, not meaning it as anything worth taking, just my first thoughts! NOW…I think that humour has gone out with the times Now it’s lost it’s funny. :/
Sarcasm…. I’m trying to overcome. Sometimes more than other times. :/
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“I’m trying” or “I tried” seems to be my mantra for everything. I have jokingly said my tombstone should say “I tried”. :)
❤️
I am so glad to know ya’ll are just as bad as myself!! haha! We Christians! lol.
What happened!?
We are supposed to be the better ones!
Like many of you, I saw the heading and thought OH LAWD, this is gonna be for me. If we had use of emojis I’m sure it would add to the colorfulness we felt!
So, my sister has made remarks many times over the year that I kinda come off a little too strongly on my thoughts and opinions. (ouchy face) But, I really didn’t care. I felt I was just telling it like it was. Saying what everyone else was thinking kinda thing. I have tried to do better.
My husband has said SO many times “it’s what you said!” He tried to tell me why he is mad, or leaves the room in this way. I have tried to understand how my words that sound “normal” to me, come off critical to him. I have really tried to work on this for the last 3 years. I try to understand his long hard days, working around hard frustrating people, and adapt to that. Maybe I should just hand him a beer and not talk at all!
Next thought- I think we all know that the things people said to us when we were young, or in school has more impact then we know at the time. And that is one reason for my husband feeling critisized, his 2 older brothers put him down his whole childhood. So if I think of how that feels when I unknowingly do that, it gives me understanding.
My poor grandson was put down, critisized, made to feel worthless his whole young life and it is heartbreaking to see the actual verbal abuse he has been through. It has shaped him and he is now just turned 18. Somehow he has survived and may even graduate high school through an alternative school. I prayed for him (and ya’ll have too) fervently to make it. Words have so much power.
Lord, I am a teacher, and I am aware that I will be judged stricter. But we all are teachers, because we are labled “Christians,” Christ-followers, and so others are looking at our actions and more so what comes out of our mouths! Let words that build up be spoken! Words of truth, but always will love and concern, gentleness. Let us be slow to anger, taking a breath, and looking to what the issue is! The devil loves when he can divide, it is his great tool, and we fall right into his trap! Help us to depend on your Holy Spirit in us to be our bridle. Let Him move us, not our own quick-willed flesh pounce. The more we have of you, the less it will happen. Your words will be always flowing out of us. We take every thought captive that is not. And replace it with your goodness! Thank you for the conviction today, and that we are here to listen and APPLY. Let us all be better today! Amen
Only with the Spirit can we control the uncontrollable. We can make so many excuses for our words. Our words that either hurt or lift up. There is such carelessness with our tongues. They are like arrows we shoot without thought. Once we let go of the bow those words are out there. There is no taking them back.
I am guilty.
Forgive me Lord. Help me to slow down. To think of what words I’m letting come from my mouth. It’s crushing to know that I curse and bless from the same mouth. Create a pure heart in me.
Traci, I’m thankful that my words helped you yesterday – I have to constantly remind myself of that truth, but when I do, it does help.
God, help my mouth to serve as a hydrating hydrant to those who are thirsty and need encouragement. May my mouth be your mouth. Lead, guide, correct and direct my language. May you be glorified by what I say.
Lead, guide, correct and direct. Thank you Kacie.
Today’s reading was so full of conviction for me! While I know these things and oft remind myself of them, reading them today provided such a deeper level of KNOWING. The kind that pierces into my heart and shows me where I’m lacking and where I need to grow. Thank you, James, for calling us to higher ground and deeper maturity! May we walk in your wisdom always!
We knew these verses were coming, buckle up to look in the mirro….sigh. Guilty, convicted, put in my place, embarrassingly raise my hand cause its an on-going struggle to guard my words. Words can do so much damage, so very quickly and we just can’t take them back. These verses in particular stand out to me:
‘With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.’ James 3:9-11
How do I justify praising the Lord lifting my words in gratitude for His love and goodness and then turning around and responding to my husband with a bite in my words. Or, speaking sharply to someone or uttering words of frustration to another. Ughh….its just not ok and I need to constantly keep myself in check on how my words, are delivered, but more than that to also watch my heart attitude as well. BOTH need to be humble, gentle, intentional,thoughtful and measured to reflect the heart of Jesus. My words need to be life giving, and build up, not harsh and tearing down.
Lord, you know my struggle with this. Forgive me for not being a good representative of you being my Lord. For jumping ahead, being defensive, critical and harsh in my words. Guide my heart Lord so that the words I speak show honor, kindness and respect to those around me and so that others can see that you are the one who is truly the one who leads me and is Lord of my life. Amen
Amen Wendy! I could literally just repeat your words. The tongue is a struggle for sure. I have really had to limit social media and what we watch on TV. My husband is thrilled because it seems we watch more sports and golf these days than anything else on TV. It’s so easy to slip in those harsh words without thinking.
Amen!
I’ve been trying to teach my oldest the power of words as she’s becoming negative and down in her speech and towards herself, and it hurts to see. Lord please help me help her. I don’t want her to see herself in any other way than you see her.
Then yesterday I got frustrated with my son and got loud with him…I want my words to be consistent with grace. Oh Lord it hurts me that even i can hurt my kids with what I say. I prayed and asked him and God for forgiveness but I don’t want my words to impact them negatively but righteously and in kindness!
I think we all know just how hurtful words can be. The impact they have on us is huge! Father, forgive us for the hurt we’ve caused others because we haven’t controlled our tongue. Help us, Lord, to be more aware of the words we speak especially when angry. We want to do better! Amen.
Amen
Amen. Amen.
Amen!!!
ok friends, I need some input. I have been struggling quite a bit bc I feel like God is calling me out of some podcast and I am a podcast junkie! (not she reads truth of course, this episode was fantastic, the neopolatin reference was chefs kiss) but anyways, I don’t have cable, so I get a lot of my “news” from podcast. I choose podcasters who “say they are Christians” and try to choose some with some opposing views. however, if I’m honest I feel like God is telling me give them all up. because it doesn’t seem like they are speaking life. I have been fixated on which one is right, have I been decieved, are they really wolves in sheeps clothing, and I think he’s saying it doesn’t matter who’s “right”, it matters what their words are doing to you. I’m just so confused, bc I gave it all up during lent and I was so bored, had more anxiety bc I felt like I was in the dark, and I didn’t feel like I heard God any more. anyone can help speak into this?
Lanie – I’ll pray with you about this.
It’s funny that you mentioned podcasts because that is what came to my mind, that there are so many popular podcasts that are speaking way too much right now on things that are damaging to Christians. I don’t listen to them but of course I see others on sm all commenting on them, lol. I would definitely tell you to put them all aside…look how much TIME they are putting into you mind each day! Turn on the Christian music instead! Or a couple of good preaching podcasts, ones that go through the Bible in a year would be a good choice. Those are so good to help you “read” the Bible and explain some of the more “boring” books! But they are so important for us to know.
I think it IS also important to know what the masses are listening to, we can’t be unknowing of what they are believing as my mom always said- “How will you know what is happening to counteract with TRUTH.” That is valuable, example- how replacement theology has become the moving idea and splitting Christians. We never thought Christians would be against Israel- yet here we are. So it’s good to know this, so as a Bible believer you know what the word said…which God will never forsake Israel, no matter that they have fallen away like they always have. But knowing the word is vital or we will believe what is popular and what we presume people “in the know” say. The word tells us exactly all this would happen.
so funny you said this rhonda, bc I drive so much for my job I fill those moments with podcasts. today I was complaining to God about what am I supposed to listen to and I swear he was like…. uhh music… like you did your whole life before podcast lol.
I know a bit how you feel Lanie. I have actually given up on reading the news this past year because it gives me such anxiety and makes me so angry. I haven’t listened to this particular podcast, but I do get their emails. It’s called The Pour Over and it’s mostly unbiased news stories that are then linked to Bible verses and then given a prayer to pray about that particular story. Their podcast episodes seem pretty short so might be a good way to “keep your toes wet”?
yes, I get the pour overer!
Pour Over is so great IMO… and that they give specific verses to pray — THAT is God’s plan right there. Nonsense will never stop happening in our world, but Jesus came to save the people of this world and we are called to pray for the people of this world. I agree, this particular news outlet pairs this well, giving a simple platform to know what/how/who to pray for :)
Yes, I get the emails from them as well. I think the podcasts are only about 5 minutes or so. It seems very short but good.
ooohhh thank you! I will look into it!
We do have to be so careful what we listen to, and if some of the podcasts you listen to regularly are affecting you in a negative way, then listen to the Spirit and dump them. Replace them with ones that edify, lift up, sharpen you and glorify the Lord…prayers for wisdom and discernment.
Sorry, I’m here twice… Like I said, The Pour Over can be a great source, as well as *The Bulletin* from Christianity Today. CT has had its moments of controversy, but after placing Nicole Massie Martin as CEO, i’ve been more than impressed (look her up – she’s intimidatingly incredible :)) Has an amazing book too that you may enjoy – she’s on tons of podcasts too ;)
While not news-related, pods like
-Back Porch Theology
-Bible Project
-That Sounds Fun (1 of my favs)
-Undeceptions
-A Pastor and Philosopher Walk Into a Bar…
Are all great podcasts that will educate and build you up :)
thank you heidi!! I listen to that sounds fun and Bible project! and I’ve heard of back porch theology (Lisa harper right?) but I will look into the other ones too! as I was reading your comment I was like I tend to lean towards the others bc I can “mindlessly listen” not so much learning, but maybe that’s the point. maybe I’m not just mindlessly listening but these “political” podcast are actually planting thoughts and ideologies in my head… food for thought
I also am going to also mention the pourover. It’s short and only M/W/F with a “pour over explains “ episode that explains (once per week?) some subject currently in the news.
I was feeling anxious from too much news and follow a lot of podcasts instead that help lift me up. If you want to check out these: Better Together, Christ with Coffee, Jess Connelly, Candace Cameron Bure, Whoa, WOW God, Jesus Calling, Deep Dish, Stay True, Susie Larsen, the Unfolding, Max Lucado, Rick Warren, Greg Laurie . . I like to mix it up and just listen to a couple a day but very grateful for all the options! Soft music helps me calm down around the house too! For news that isn’t too opinionated I like the Equipped, full of scripture about how to look at top stories as a Jesus follower and praying for what’s going on.
Also check out The Pour Over for news with a lens on eternity.
Wow, this reading could not have come at a better time!! I have been trying to do a better job at speaking life into my kids at school as well as my husband and son at home….and I’m still really sucking at it because in the heat of the moment, I forget. My kids at work tend to get the best of me, but I’ve still been missing the mark lately. I was in an hour standoff yesterday with a dysregulated student who refused to leave the classroom. I was trying to talk him down so we could calm down and move on with our day, but my words were not working. After this incident, I realized that my reminders of expectations, crappy attempts to empathize with him, and my reminders of threats were not what he needed. He needed me to believe in him in that moment. That he was capable of turning it around. He needed me to speak life into him while he was unraveling. And…we never do that at school. I always forget and revert back to old habits when kids are in crisis. Anyway, I’m going to do better with this today. I’m going to create some new habits. And I really need to do better with my poor husband who gets the absolute worst of me. Lord, please help me control my tongue and help me speak life into my school babies and my precious family! I know I can do better.
Kim I am teacher too and could have written this myself! Both about my students and my husband. Teaching middle schoolers all day makes me cranky and my hubby gets the worst of me.
I applaud anyone who teaches today! How difficult it must be. I sympathize with your situation but encourage you with this – tomorrow is a new day, with not mistakes in it! ❤️
Amen
Amen
Amen
Tina saw today’s title and chooses her tablet! Lol! I am “learning” to control my tongue but it is NOT easy. Once again I can’t help but think of how quickly I am to respond to my husband, in words and thoughts… Even if I do manage to control my tongue, what goes on run my head and heart when i turn away from him is really pure “evil, full of deadly poison”. And to be honest, sometimes this response is so automatic. Take this morning for instance. I thought he woke up in the middle of the night and ate my packed lunch (it turns out he didn’t), my first thoughts were not pretty but then the thought of yesterday’s reading stopped me. Ouch! Lord help me!
I am the worst with my husband but really without even knowing for so long. I think of it as my witty barbs, dead pan humor, or sarcasm. But my husband just doesn’t roll that way, so over time it is indeed a true barb that cuts each time. (whoa, just convicted myself, ouch). His friend once told me – Rhonda, your son and you may have that relationship, but if you know your husband doesn’t, you have to change that if you KNOW it does damage. I said “but it’s me, he met me and liked me! lol. But, you know those things that we loved in the beginning are the very things that drive us insane in the long run?
I just keep trying to actively work on it because I want a good marriage, where we enjoy each other and have fun and mutual respect and admiration. We do for the most part, so when I see a hole, I am quick to try to mend it! Because the small holes can take the boat down without patching correctly.
I am cheering you on friend, and praying for you of course. I was thinking the new counseling was doing good for ya’ll?! And the knowing of the adult ADHD.
Yes the class did help to give us new understanding of each other. But we seem to be slipping back into some old patterns. And I think I’ve just been extra cranky lately. Lol
I definitely can relate to this. I always thought I had a great sense of humor and quick wit, especially when it came to my kids when they were teenagers. I thought I was “fitting in”. Then one day my son told me “mom your words are so sharp and hurtful sometimes”. I was devasted for me and for him. It really woke me up. It’s hard to think before speaking especially in the heat of the moment when hard discussions are being had but it really is important. Please God, help me control my tongue at all times. Amen!
I’m by with you Tami!
Sometimes, and I don’t know why but it seems harder to be kinder to those we love and are closest to us…you are not alone in this, but we pray and think before we speak, that should help.
“Even if I do manage to control my tongue, what goes on run my head and heart when i turn away from him is really pure “evil, full of deadly poison”.
Oh yes…
Father help me.
I wonder how many times I say that prayer or similar each day… :/
Taken together, these passages call me to a different way of speaking, one marked by truth, humility, and restraint. Controlling the tongue isn’t about silence, it’s about intentionality. It’s choosing words that reflect a heart being shaped by God.
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Lord, help me to be mindful of my words. Teach me to pause before I speak and to choose truth over impulse. Reveal what is in my heart, and shape it so that my words reflect Your character. Let my speech bring life, not harm. Amen.
“ Controlling the tongue isn’t about silence, it’s about intentionality. It’s choosing words that reflect a heart being shaped by God.” This ❤️ Amen!
“Controlling the tongue isn’t about silence, it’s about intentionality. It’s choosing words that reflect a heart being shaped by God.” …love this!
This is so good Kimberly. Thank you ❤️
♥️
I am running a little behind this morning so I will most likely return – this of course was so convicting, but especially as it relates to my 2nd child who has heard a lot of negative messaging… breaks my heart…
But on the topic of this- it’s really stuck out to me over this past year for some reason, how it was a lot of verbal chatter that lead to so many wrongful disruptions/accusations of Jesus himself and his followers in the NT. Almost every single time Pharisaical outrage erupted, SOMEONE actively twisted words and didn’t outright call it out, but whispered/spread it among “a few”. Within moments, entire crowds experienced a shift in their heart towards enraged anger, all over a few misspoken words. It has been incredibly eye opening to me because those same people could have used their few words to those few people to speak truth/encouragement and the influence could have gone in a completely different direction.
I feel like this is incredibly relevant in a world where most of the people barely read the headlines (much less research the issue) and then consider themselves experts on every topic– and speak as if it is so, often causing a lot more confusion and controversy than peace and understanding. I’m not saying to not speak truth when it is difficult. I am saying, we have a responsibility in the manner in which that truth is spoken and I don’t believe Jesus had intention of us to hide behind the excuse of “well, truth hurts. I was just being honest..” — If our honestly isn’t spoken in love and kindness and respect for the God’s-own-image-bearing-person we’re speaking it to, then even our “truth” isn’t honoring or glorifying God, it’s glorifying our pride.
ooh heidi. I think we are on the same brain wave sister.
1 Corinthians 13:1
Amen!❤️
Beautiful truth. Thank you Heidi.
So true on the ‘running on something you don’t even know is truth.” Its hard to even go on sm for this reason. Everything is targeted to get clicks.
I too often forget that I am not the only one that God is still working on, if I were to remember that, it might help me to hold my tongue more often and as you mentioned – we are not the only “God’s-own-image-bearing-person”.
A few years ago I was introduced to the concept of “truth in love” and it being a wild ride. For me it’s just difficult! Father help me (us). ❤️
Julie Dickerson welcome to SRT writing team! Thank you for sharing your insights on how today’s passage played out in real time.
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JAMES 3:6 from the Message
“By our speech we can ruin the world, turn harmony to chaos, throw mud on a reputation, send the whole world up in smoke and go up in smoke with it, smoke right from the pit of hell.”
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Doesn’t this describe the bitter, angry discourse of our culture these days?
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I KNOW my tongue is rarely aligned with Jesus. It reminds me almost daily of the evil still in my heart.
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MARI V – prayers for Bri and Caleb
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SUSAN BURLEY – prayers for Paul and peace as you await the results.
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HEIDI – thank you for your comments yesterday-so relatable
Praying over the requests!
I saw the title of today’s devotional and I shut my tablet!!!!
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My tongue, OMG, has had me hauled up before the hierarchy before now! I was one of those that 1) did not engage brain before speaking. 2) Would say it like it was, sometimes a little too harshly. 3) If in retaliation, I was coming at you with both barrels…!
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Thank God for Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, but most importantly, that I am learning to listen when convicted and to think before I open my mouth!
I give Glory and Praise for that!
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I was so reminded of my Cassie story,
Cassie came to King’s Table, a ministry that offered food, warmth, love, no questions asked. She came with attitude, big disrespectful attitude, that in the end I refused to serve her or have anything to do with her and in her earshot.
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BUT GOD..
He convicted me through the hospitality study here all those years ago that I should make an effort and Cassie came to mind. Great, I thought!
I prayed on it and all the way to work I kept telling God that he’d better be there when I make the effort…. Right!
I could see Cassie in the queue and I looked up and whispered” You’d better be here” ( oh me of little faith)
When she reached the counter I said with cheer, “Good morning” what i got back was a grunt! I looked up again and under my breathe I muttered ” see i told you she’s not going to change!
Ten minute later Cassie arrived at the counter asking for more food, but this time with words I’d never heard her use in the three, four months she had been coming. I was gobsmacked for her use of those words, but when she called me by name, as we say in England, you could have knocked me down with a feather!
She wanted more of the main course as she was not a pudding person, needless to say, I gave in.
There was a shift and a change for both of us, that day, me in particular, as I was supposed to be loving to my fellow people, but just struggled with disrespectful, feel entitled, rude, no manners type that Cassie owned!
The funniest thing is she classes me as her best friend these days!
Our tongues have the power to build up or tear down(Proverbs 18:21), and that day i truly swathes effects of positive words… Thank you Father God for your conviction that day..
We none of us choose a negative path, life happens, and we are changed in ways mainly to protect ourselves, as Julia Roberts says in Pretty woman, you always believe and remember the negative people say about you..
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BUT GOD..
His banner over us is love.
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The song His banner over me is love came to mind
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The Lord is mine and I am His
His banner over me is love..
This banner is over each and every one of us, waifs, strays, lost, broken, confused, misunderstood, alone, marginalised..
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His banner over ALL is love..
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Amen.
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Have a blessed Thursday my dears, covered in love, hugs and bountiful prayers..❤️
“I saw the title of today’s devotional and I shut my tablet!!!!”
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Lol lol lol❣️
I knew today’s reading would be a tough one. I just wanted to comment “ouch ouch ouch”! I have a broad of vipers, I mean 7th graders, that I thought of as I read about Cassie. I do not often see them as “made in God’s likeness” – and even if I can’t say what I would like to sometimes because I would be fired (lol), it is there on my face, for all to read, and more disturbingly in my heart.
I too teach 7th grade! Some of my favorite people, for sure! But my words can have an impact on them, for good or for evil. A good reminder today!
lol yes tina me too! I thought, maybe I should be quiet today and just read, but you guys are too good not to respond!
I remember your Cassie Story!! Oh how good! When we can have our own Cassie story it is so valuable and life changing! (hopefully!)
Hahahaha!! Tina I hear you. The tongue is so hard to master.
You gave me such good advice over our luncheon that I still try to heed!
I saw today’s title and thought, “oh boy, your in for it”!…seems like many of us here struggle with or have struggled with the same things.
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Have a blessed day my sweet friend!❤️
Sadly words can hurt more then physical ailments. a critical spirit wounds. hard to be around people like that.
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We will have to account for our words. Oh, my!
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Reminds me of a devotion I read years ago… about squeezing toothpaste from a tube. You can’t make the toothpaste go back in there. Just so ya know… (Insert winky face emoji.)
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Can’t sleep because hubby’s words got to me tonight. His words weren’t meant to be hurtful, but I took them that way. So, not only should we be careful with the words we speak but also how we “take” them, right?!?!
So true! And when I misinterpret and see how easily that’s done, it makes me overly cautious of my own words, at least for a while.
So true, Adrienne! When someone says something that hurts me I try to think about how that person feels about me. If it’s someone that I know cares about me I remind myself that they wouldn’t intentionally hurt me and then I move on. Isn’t it true that we hurt the ones we love the most? ❤️