Speech has power. Words do not fade. What starts out as a sound, ends in a deed.
Abraham Joshua Herschel
We all make mistakes often, but those who don’t make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity. Like a bridled horse, they can control themselves entirely. When we bridle horses and put bits in their mouths to lead them wherever we want, we can control their whole bodies.
Consider ships: They are so large that strong winds are needed to drive them. But pilots direct their ships wherever they want with a little rudder. In the same way, even though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts wildly.
Think about this: A small flame can set a whole forest on fire. The tongue is a small flame of fire, a world of evil at work in us. It contaminates our entire lives. Because of it, the circle of life is set on fire. The tongue itself is set on fire by the flames of hell.
James 3:2-6
In high school there was this girl who annoyed me by being friendly to me. (Weird, right?) One day she took a picture of me and I exploded. I said two words in response; two awful words. I was immediately ashamed as I saw her heart shatter in front of me. It only took two words. Quickly after, I felt awful for what I said, and I sought her out to apologize. I could tell she was still hurt and that maybe my apology didn’t mean much at that moment.
James, in his letter about Christian living, writes that we all make mistakes (like I did) and reminds us how often and powerful those mistakes we make with our words are. Our words can be a blessing or a curse. James seems to believe if we can get our words right, other aspects of Christian living will fall into place. So let us pray for God to guide our words, and by doing so, be led to a more faithful way to live.
Jeremy Wilhelmi
Let’s pray;
Good and Gracious God, guide my words to build up the body of Christ. May they spread joy and goodness, love and hope. Amen.
Speak out, but speak kindly.
Speak boldly, but speak humbly.
Speak often, but don’t waste your words.
Speak passionately, but speak faithfully.
Speak the truth, but speak it in love.
Speak, but don’t forget to listen.