Revelation of the Word:

THEME: POWER OF THE TONGUE

James 3:2

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”

INSIGHT

-There are many causes for stumbling and one of the most common is the words that we speak. We are reminded that everyone will give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken (Matthew 12:36). We will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and each of us will receive what is due to us for the things done here on earth, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows, and his mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul (Proverbs 18:6-7), but he who would love life and see good days should refrain from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit (1 Peter 3:10).

SUMMARY

A physician, doctor or dentist normally looks at the tongue during medical examination, to check the general condition of the body apart from ones oral health. It is surprising what the tongue can reveal about the health of a person. For instance, if ones tongue has a black and hairy look; the persons could be suffering from yeast infections, cancer, diabetes, or probably poor oral hygiene. If the tongue is bright red, the person could be deficient of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 or has a fever. If the tongue has sores then the person could be having a cold or suffering from herpes. If one experiences a burning feeling on the tongue when taking moderately hot substances, then the nerves have a problem. Typically, a tongue that is pink and moist with a thin slightly white, shiny coating on the surface is considered healthy. The tongue can thus be classified as the barometer that measures ones physical and sometimes spiritual state through the words that we speak. The tongue is like the dashboard of a vehicle that shows the health of the engine and all the other parts. If the dashboard has a malfunction, it is highly likely that the vehicle might overheat and cause greater damage to the engine and consequently the entire vehicle. Jesus spoke of the tongue as a measure of what is in the heart. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). Through this disposition, we may liken the heart to the tree and the tongue to the fruit. Jesus notes that if the tree is good then the fruit will be good and if the tree is bad, the the fruit will be bad, and each one will give an account of their words during the day of judgement (Matthew 12:33-36). James looks at the tongue as a dangerous tool of destruction if it is not tamed. In a second the tongue can light up fire in the entire forest. If anyone then is able to tame their tongue, he can bridle their whole body. God examines the condition of the heart to reward each person according to his/her deeds. We are called to guard our hearts with diligence for out of it spring issues of life (proverbs 4:23). God expects us to be economical with words and refrain from speaking deceit, gossip, flattery, negativity, harshly, hatefully, for we will be judged. The tongue can camouflage into two parallel realities, by cursing men on one hand and praising God on the other. God calls us to ensure that our tongues are filled with grace, necessary to edify one another. A fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue (Proverbs 17:28). The Lord calls us to be swift to hear, slow to speak and slow to wrath (James 1:19). There is a force or power behind every word, and we should be careful that we don’t fall into trouble with God and other men. Among the things that God hate is a lying tongue, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community (Proverbs 6:16-19). We should also remember to pray and ask God to purify our hearts and tongues that His power may work in us and through us. A wise person measures his words and his tongue brings forth healing. One may be sick or stressed, but if their tongue is filled with grace and positive proclamations, they obtain healing from the Lord through faith. Another may be depressed and when they speak life upon their lives and situations, they receive abundant life and their situations change, for the tongue has power over life and death. When the power of the Holy Spirit works in us, even the dead come to life. The tongue also has power to edify oneself through the gift of tongues, and the church through prophecy. When we speak in tongues, God responds and our lives are transformed. A soothing tongue is a tree of life but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit (Proverbs 15:4). Like a healthy body or vehicle, our tongues should be filled with love and grace, necessary to edify one another, that the peace of Christ may prevail in all the earth.

PRAYER

Abba Father You are our Comforter and Shield, our ever present help in times of need. You are all we need in our lives. You are our Creator and Father. Our Rock and our Foundation, in whom we put our trust. Teach us Holy Spirit to tame our tongues and only speak wisdom. Teach us to edify every listener and to keep our mouths shut when we angry or intend to offend others and speak idle words. In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, teach us dear Jesus to remain calm and patient in our speech and deeds. Season our speech with salt and transform our minds to only focus on the positive aspects of life. May Your divine wisdom flow through us and bring forth grace to the hearers. We welcome You Holy Spirit in our lives that You may teach us to bridle our tongues and our whole bodies. Teach us to always say the truth, for You hate deceit. Only You are the way the truth an the life, and no one comes to the Father but by You our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Train our hearts in Your salvation dear Jesus and teach us to do Your divine will. Grant each person reading this and every member of our family the gift of salvation that we may reign with You forever, our Righteous Judge. We repent of every idle or evil word that we have spoke and ask You humbly to forgive us Jesus. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness with Your precious blood dear Jesus and make us complete in You. Prosper our hearts and our lives in Your grace and favor. All glory, honor, power, praise and salvation belongs to You Jesus, now and forever. Amen

Blessed Weekend

Further reading: Matthew 12:33-37, Genesis 3:13, Proverbs 10:19

FB Page: Love of Christ Foundation CBO

Revelation Of The Word