The Book of James has been, for me, the hardest book in the Bible, and the most helpful! By accepting what it teaches, it is also most necessary. James 3:8 reads, "No man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."
Accepting that statement, no human being can control the tongue, then why bother trying? Even if we may not achieve perfect control of our tongues, we can still learn enough control, one would hope, to reduce the damage our words can do. Isn't it better to fight a fire than go around setting new ones?
But wait! We are not fighting the tongue's fire in our own strength! The Holy Spirit will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say, so that when we are offended, the Spirit will remind us of God's love, and we won't react in a hateful manner. When we are criticized, the Spirit will heal the hurt, and we won't lash out at the other. I know this in my mind, but have not accepted this in my heart!
Lord Jesus, the world needs you so much and I am part of the world and part of the problem.. I am counting on you to help me tame my tongue! Your Spirit, I know, is in me to help me, but I need reminding that you are waiting to help me. I accept and understand that I am not perfect. I need your grace to be within me forever and the desire to seek that grace when I am feeling hurt. Lord, I want to seek you, first, and not seek a desire to fight the battle of tongues! Amen.
Tongue for sale....anybody?
Jo INMN
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