James 3:7-11 “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?”
- If meals at a restaurant sometimes taste bad you will not continue to go to that restaurant! You do not want to go where the food may be good or it may be bad! In the same way, people do not enjoy engaging in conversation when they may hear griping and complaining instead of positive and uplifting words. Some words are like a car wreck; they happen instantly, and the repair takes forever! One slip of the tongue can take years to mend! In both car wrecks and relationships, the damage can be beyond repair. Guard your heart in all situations! Do not let your words today ruin your witness tomorrow! If necessary, seek forgiveness from those you have hurt by your words and open the door to sharing the love and Truth that God offers. Always be careful that your words today do not ruin your witness tomorrow!
- Will the words that come out of your mouth adjust to your audience or will they honor God in each case?
- Will your conversation tomorrow support your claim of Christianity today?
- Are others “spiritually fed” when they talk to you or would they choose another person for that result?
James 1:19-20 “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Matthew 12:34 “…For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.”