How many fires have our words set? How much hurt has our words caused? One of the first things I heard the Holy Spirit say to me was “take every thought captive.” I looked up to see what the scripture was; 2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. I asked how I was supposed to do this since we have billions of thought going at any given time. Only by the Holy Spirit can we come close.
James 3:5-10 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body; and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren this ought not to be so.
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak; they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
Edward Bulwer-Lytton was the first to write, “the pen is mightier than the sword.” In 1839, in his historical play called, Cardinal Richelieu. How often do we say, “pray for this one or that one because they…?” How often do we share a derogatory post? How often do we share things and don’t know the whole matter? Only God knows all things. It really doesn’t take much to hurt someone in another persons eyes. Yes, when we have been hurt we want to hurt back or talk about it. God’s word tells us to go to the one whom we feel has wronged us, not the town. Matthew 18:15 Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him ALONE: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.
Words spoken cannot be taken back. James 1:19-20 So then, my beloved brethren let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Let us pray Psalm 141:3-5: Set a guard, O Lord over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies. Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let my him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.
Lord, Thank You for Your teaching. In Jesus name, please remind us of this prayer when we do not need to speak or share what is on our mind, but to slow down and listen to Your Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thank You all things are possible by and through You!
