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Taming the tongue

 

I have commenced my annual spring cleaning and remember anew the importance of ‘spring cleaning’ my mind and heart. I have been challenged yet again as I read through James. In particular, as I read James chapter three.

The first few verses are titled ‘Taming the Tongue’. Oh how that small portion of our bodies has such an enormous impact. We have the opportunity to bring others down with our words, to ruin reputations, to grumble and complain OR we can build others up and encourage them and we can take opportunities to praise God with a positive attitude.

A study of God’s Word uncovers plenty of warnings about this little organ, especially in Proverbs.

The words that struck me the most in James were that it ‘corrupts the whole body’. What a frightening thought! Further James uses vivid imagery to challenge us that if we love God how can words of praise and words of defamation come out of the same mouth?

I am reminded that in Matthew seven it tells us not to judge as in the same way we judge others, we too will be judged. This is an issue with the heart, but also one in which the tongue plays a huge part particularly if anyone struggles with the sin of gossip. Pride plays a huge part in judging others, I believe, as we obviously think we are better than them. We are warned not to look for a speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in our own eye (Matthew 7:3-5).

Another verse that also struck me was James 1:19-20: ‘Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger’. I am someone who needs to process a response before speaking, yet how often do I quickly speak when I need to stop and listen for the Holy Spirit to guide my response. The Holy Spirit continues to work in me and with me and I get excited when I see some progress, although sometimes it is one step forward and two steps back. Praise God for Jesus as without his sacrifice I would have no hope at all.

Bless you each as the Holy Spirit continues to work in you.

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