Tame the Tongue

Man, oh man how many times I have put my foot in my mouth…too many to remember. Over the years I have found myself wanting to pull the words I have said right back almost as soon as I have said them. But you can’t, so I have come to learn to be more thoughtful of what I say. There is nothing more humbling than having to go to someone and apologize for something you have said.

On another note, we all fumble our words from time to time, and, in our house, we are ruthless when someone messes up a word or phrase and then of course that word or phrase is said wrong on purpose for eternity (not really and it is all in fun). But when thinking about that those times of accidental mess ups I can see why our tongues are hard to control. We just talk sometimes, and things come out and and some instances you might get involved with a conversation you didn’t mean to be a part of…

Been there done that and regretted it…but it's in the realizations of these instances where growth happens. Allowing ourselves to become better at not getting involved with certain conversations is growth. This is one way to let God guide our words and thoughts and not let ourselves get carried away with just talking to talk.

James 3: 3-5 - We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

Yes, a tiny spark (a word) can start a fire of feelings and which then can be followed by words and then so much is said that we may not have wanted to say they just came out…that is called reacting on emotions with our words.

I have struggled with this from time to time…. I try oh man do I try but sometimes, actually more accurately is some days I fail. Then I have to apologize and hope that those I’m apologizing to accept that apology.

I can tell you this, I’m thankful for the grace of God and of others and I can also tell you that as many times as this has happened, I always learn something new. I have learned to listen more carefully and be more discerning with my words. The tongue is powerful, and I want to be mindful of what I say. I don't just want to spout something off and then wish it would have never happened. I want to be intentional with my words.

James 3:7-9 - People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.

I don't know why but when reading this scripture above I thought about school. I think I thought of it because when you are in Jr. high and high school you do and say things that you think will get you in with the ones you see as popular because you are looking to fit in. But actually, all it says is that you are following those people and not standing firm in what you know and being who you are.

So many times in the Bible it tells us not to follow the world....this includes with our words.

When we are tempted by our own tongue to speak in ways, we are not comfortable with or just know aren’t right then we have allowed our flesh to win. Our words are powerful. There’s that saying that actions speak louder than words…. In my opinion your words are an action. Words cause reaction and as it is said actions cause reactions and words cause a reaction, so I say they are actions. Then on top of that you can't take your words back what is done is done....what is said is said.

Our words are heavy they can hurt and cause discord.

It is our goal at Christians to be kind and loving which means we need to be careful with your words. They are sharp.

Ask God to teach you discernment and to give you the right words.