What Did You Say?
What Did You Say?
“The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.‘ – Proverbs 15:4
Have you ever said something and instantly wished you could grab the words in the air and throw them away?
Words matter. They can heal and they can destroy. It’s one of the reasons the Bible in the book of James is so adamant about the importance of controlling the tongue.
“the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” – James 3:5-6 (It’s worth reading the whole section, James 3:1-12)
God knows the power of words. His Word has more power than ours, but our words still have plenty of power. So, it’s worth taking some time before we speak, to consider what we are about to say.
“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
“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” – Proverbs 10:19
Words Can Heal
Words are not only destructive, they can be healing as well. They can build up and even give life. What if our mouths were more eager to…
- Forgive rather than accuse
- Defend rather than gossip
- Build up rather than tear down
- Speak words of peace rather than stir up violence
- Say something loving rather than words that are hateful
Consider what a kind word can do for a person who is hurting or how a word of forgiveness can mend a broken relationship.
In the Gospel, you even have the words that literally bring life to the dead!
Let’s begin to tame our tongues.
It may start with starting the habit of waiting a few seconds before speaking. Then, perhaps it’s learning to listen for the sake of understanding rather than just waiting your turn to speak. Soon, you may start praying for wisdom, understanding. and compassion while you listen and wait to speak. Before you know it, you may start speaking with more gentleness, love, kindness, humility, and grace.
I think you’ll find that when your words heal and encourage, people will want to talk with you and you will walk away from more and more conversations with joy in your heart…and in theirs.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” – Colossians 4:6
Heavenly Father,
I confess that my words have, at times, been hurtful and destructive. Please forgive me. Tame my tongue. Give me wisdom and patience, kindness and compassion. May my words build up and heal. When they tear down, send someone to speak Your Word to me, that I might repent and be forgiven.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
