Perspective

“19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.”  James 1:19-20

The tongue contains no bones. However, it is the most powerful muscle in the body. It's used for tasting, licking, and swallowing. And in humans, it’s used in articulating speech. Words – once said, cannot be unsaid. They can build a person’s confidence or destroy self-esteem. So powerful is the tongue.

Many of the challenges that the early Christians faced still confront us today. The Epistle of James is an important New Testament book for those who tend to see Christianity as just believing the right things. As James reminds us, that kind of faith is worthless. Only a faith that transforms us and our way of life is true.

The person with transforming faith will control his or her tongue. One will learn patience and think before words are spoken. A living faith can be expressed in the way we talk to others. Seek kind words and soon there will be no harsh thoughts to clutter our minds. Our works shall be a reflection of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving me the power of speech in order to praise You and share the gospel. Help me to use my tongue to encourage others.