The Gospel of James warns us about the irreparable damage the tongue can do. He compared it to a raging fire that starts with just a tiny spark. It can ruin your whole life. It is used to both bless and curse, to build up and tear down, and it is so hard to tame. I can think of many times in my life when I’ve said things without thinking first, only to find out later that my words hurt someone. I’ve lashed out in anger and said things that I didn’t really mean, but my words were hurtful and cut deep.
I’ve heard something in a conversation about someone and passed that gossip on to others, without even having first-hand knowledge about it. My words are like toothpaste coming out of the tube. Once it’s out, there’s no putting it back. I’ve heard the phrase so many times, “If you can’t say something nice, then don’t say anything at all.” But sometimes I say it anyway, because the tongue is so hard to tame.
I want my words to be a blessing to others, to build them up, encourage them, and to be kind and gentle. Not only my words, but my facial expressions and body language, can express either good or bad things to others. Let your words and actions build up others and express your love and God’s love to those around you. Study and meditate on His Word, so that His love will flow out of the abundance of your heart.
James 3:5 (MSG) - “It only takes a spark, remember, to set off a forest fire. A careless or wrongly placed word out of your mouth can do that.”