Tame your tongue

Abel Hernandez

James 3:5-12

Over these past couple of weeks, I’ve seen and noticed many individuals speak some things that can be very hurtful to others. Sometimes these words aren’t necessarily said in person. Social media has allowed so many to say things that are not in any way edifying to the body of Christ.

Is that a surprise? I don’t think so.. So what shall we do…

Let’s reflect on what it is we say. Let’s look back and truly characterize our words and actions. How can we who are children of God, praise Him and curse others with the same tongue? The simple answer is that we are human and sinners.

Should it end there? We have something that is extremely valuable. That’s a relationship with our creator and the scriptures. Let’s work on taming our tongues. We never know what others are going through. We can be so quick to critique, gossip, and say evil things about others without knowing their full story or what it is they’re going through.

I’ve been guilty of this many times. In fact, I’m extremely guilty of hurting those who I truly love. It’s always easier to hurt those you love because you know they’re not going anywhere. At least for some time.

Somehow in all the pain I’ve caused people with the words I’ve said, others have displayed grace to me. I’ve apologized and changed many of my ways. However, the struggle is real. When those thoughts or words come to mind, let’s stop, analyze, and pray. Let’s pray for others and be kind. Let’s get to know others with the hopes of understanding where they come from and what is happening in their lives.

Let’s avoid causing damage to others with our words before it’s too late. We can create wounds so deep that it’s almost impossible to recover from. Let’s be consistent with who we claim to be. We are believers. We are Christians. Let’s reflect on this question in James, does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?. My answer is NO.

5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,[a] and set on fire by hell.[b] 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,[c] these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”
James 3:5-12 English Standard Version (ESV)