Point of View:
Okay, let me start off with a question, answer honestly. Have you ever gotten in trouble with your parents, teachers or friends because you “just had to tell your side of a story”, or “how things really went down”? I know I have, and I’m guessing that you have too. Our words have such a strong effect on others. No matter what the childhood saying, “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me” tells you, words hurt! Sometimes even more than sticks and stones, right? If I were to ask you when the last time sticks and stones hurt you, it would probably be a limited amount of times, and might take you a while to remember. But if I asked you when the last time words hurt you, I’m sure you would have no problem thinking of a time when that happened, right? We have all been hurt, and dealt hurt through words before. I’m sure that you can probably tell me a time some one said something nice to you too. Maybe that’s why the word “tongue” is listed over 130 times in the Bible, because the tongue is such a powerful thing. It can bring healing if we are wise but pierce like a sword if we are reckless. That’s enough for me to want to dig into this topic. Over the next three devotionals we will be looking at how we can get a grip on our tongue and how we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. So…
The Challenge:
I know that the “Point of View” was lengthy so I’ll keep this short. I want to challenge you to be in prayer as we dive into this next mini-study on James 1:19-21. If you could use a little guidance in doing so, check out the prayer points.
Prayer Points:
- Pray that God would reveal where you may need to hold your tongue. Whether that is around your parents, teachers or friends. My prayer is that we may become “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.
- Ask for forgiveness, if you have torn anybody down recently with your words, ask for forgiveness.
- Thank God for his precious and holy word, the Bible. May we be doers of the Word, not just listeners!
The Word:
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. - James 1:19-21
The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. - Proverbs 12:18
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