Sticks and stones.

There are over 65 verses in the bible about our tongues. It’s incredible how much it’s talked about. And it makes sense I guess. What we say gives other’s a glimpse of what is in our hearts. How we speak to others and about others is an indicator of our spiritual maturity.

James 1:26 is a huge punch in the face: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless”

Ouch.

Our words have incredible power and can do so much good and damage. Proverbs 18:21 even goes to say that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Our speech can destroy, discourage, create distance, kill trust, kill intimacy. On the flip side, our tongues have the power to encourage and strengthen. They can create community and build friendship.

Hey everybody, let’s be nice to each other. Think about what you are saying and how it would affect somebody. Even if they aren’t sitting in the room with you while you are saying it. Just because we have the ability to say something doesn’t mean we should. Let’s not get sucked into believing otherwise.

Let’s search our hearts before opening our mouths.

Join me in praying that our hearts will be changed to use our tongues for building up, not tearing down.