"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." Proverbs 18:21
Our tongue serves many purposes; it helps us eat, gives us our sense of taste, and helps us in speech. It is versatile in that we can speak many different languages and sounds, but it also has the power to say both good things and bad.
In its defense, the tongue doesn't operate independently but is an unwilling participant in what is in our hearts and minds. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 15:18-29, "But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander." So even if we went to the extreme of having our tongues removed, we still have the condition of our hearts.
The only guarantee of bridling this unruly member is by changing our hearts. When we become committed followers of Jesus Christ, our thoughts change from death to life. In accepting life through Christ, we overcome death. The things that proceed from our mouths are our testimonies to God’s transformative power.
Father, we give you thanks for changes in our hearts that are possible through Jesus Christ. We confess we often say things we shouldn't; please forgive us. Renew in us by your Holy Spirit. Lead us and guide us so that we demonstrate the excellent fruit of your love. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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