The words we speak can have a huge effect on others, so it’s important that we choose them wisely. In your own life you may be able to recall something that someone said in the past that really encouraged you. You may also remember something that someone said that wasn’t quite so encouraging. As Christians it’s important that we love others and speak in a way that glorifies God. This isn’t to say that we should ever compromise the truth to appease people; but rather that we should speak the truth in love.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. – James 3:5-6
It’s important for us to take a look at what’s motivating/influencing the words that we speak. The words that we speak give insight as to what’s going on in our hearts. For instance, maybe “Person A” has unknowingly done some things that have irritated “Person B”, and as a result Person B has been harboring some anger towards Person A, and eventually goes on to say some hurtful things to Person A. To avoid harboring those types of thoughts, it’s important that we renew our minds with the Word of God. It’s also important that we obey 2 Corinthians 10:5 which reads as follows “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” …If we deal with things on a heart level, we can avoid saying things that we’ll later regret.
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” – James 3:9-10
We should love God first and foremost. And then we should love others. If we praise God with our tongues, and yet tear down others with our tongues, God is not pleased with that. So as we continue to grow in our walk with Christ, let us remember to be mindful of the words we speak, and show forth love to others.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” – Proverbs 18:21