The Tongue
One of my greatest struggles in life are "words". Many times I speak without thinking...without restrain...without wisdom...without discernment...and with anger. Whenever I have the chance to reflect and do my devotion, one question always pop-out in my mind, "what did I say today that hurt someone? and hurt my Lord Jesus." I have heard many criticism about me, and surely the top on the list are the "words" that I speak.I found comfort on the words of Apostle James, on the third chapter of his epistle. He says, "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." (James 3:2 ESV). In this verse Apostle James is saying that there is no man in this world that doesn't stumble on the area of speech!, except of course for our Lord Jesus Christ. It is fitting that Ambrose Bierce says in one of his writing, "Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret."
As I continue to wrestle in this area of my life, I remembered what Jesus said, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." (Matthew 12:34B ESV). Surely, we cannot tame our tongue if our heart is not pure. And without the help of God we cannot change our heart from wickedness to holiness. That's why we can read from the book of Prophet Jeremiah that "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick" (Jeremiah. 17:9A ESV). Only Jesus can change our inner being. By accepting His Lordship in our life we can begin to change from inside. This is the first step for us to be mature in our area of speech.
To God be the Glory!!!