1997-01-24 - Dangerous Weapon or Helpful Tool?

God has given us all something that can let people know they are loved, can comfort, can provide support, or can crush a spirit, can cause long-lasting damage to psyches ….That instrument is the tongue. Sometimes we lash out at others without even thinking what our words might be doing to them. We thoughtlessly criticize others, forgetting -- at least for the moment -- that those people who bear the brunt of our words are made in God's image, and are as valuable to Him as we are. Christ died for them, also.

James 3:8-9 (NRSV) but no one can tame the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.

God takes our words very seriously, and so should we!

Mat 12:36 (NRSV) I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter;

He intends that our words be used to build up the Body of Christ, to restore us when needed, and to help us become the best that God has planned for us:

1 Th 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

I'm going to ask you -- and myself! -- to think about the words we have said in the last 24 hours? How many of those words have been used to edify others? How many have probably hurt others? Let's pray to God that our words will be from HIM. That our words will help, not hurt others. That our words will bring people into the Kingdom, heal hurts, lift up people and not tear them down. We can pray to God this verse from the Psalms:

Psa 141:3 (NRSV) Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

: ) Jan