Most Understanding Lord, I have a problem with saying things I should not and speaking inappropriately. What I say and what I don’t say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right time, but also controlling my emotions to stop me from saying what I shouldn’t. An untamed tongue includes gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulating others, exaggerating, complaining, flattering and lying. Before I speak, I should ask myself … is what I’m about to say true … is it necessary … is it kind? The damage done by a fire is like a raging inferno. The tongue can be as bad as hell itself. An uncontrolled tongue can do terrible damage to another’s image or adversely affect their psyche. Hateful words are damaging because they spread damage quickly and no one can stop the results of what has been spoken. Satan uses the tongue to divide people and pit them against one another.
I should not be careless with what I say thinking I can apologize my way out of the harm I have created. In reality, the surface may look smooth but the scars remain. Words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that has taken years to build. Before I say anything, I should remember that words are like a fire … I can never reverse the damage it does. Even if I do not achieve perfect control of my tongue, I can still learn enough to enable You to reduce the damage that my words can do. It is a lot better to fight a fire than to go around starting new ones. I must never forget that the battle for control of my tongue is not for me alone but must include You too. The Holy Spirit, when asked, will give me increasing power to monitor and control what I say. The Holy Spirit’s role is to continually remind me of Your love and, if I want to be more like You, how to speak the way You do.
When I am criticized, heal my heart so I don’t lash out. At times my words are right and pleasing. While at other times, they are violent and destructive. The important thing is to determine which pattern I want to reflect as my identity. My tongue gives others a picture of who I truly am. That raises a question … having been born again, have I fallen back into the power of sin? I must remember that in my new birth God works in me to bring about change. When the Holy Spirit is given time to purify my heart, He brings self-control that allows me to speak words that please You. A bit is something that is put in a horse’s mouth to make it obey … a rudder on a ship guides it into a safe harbor … a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. An impudent tongue, while being small, can do much damage. Lord, send the Holy Spirit to conform my words into the ones that You speak. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
James 3:5 The tongue is a small part of the body but it creates much havoc.