Daily Worship, Spirit and Word Aug. 5, 2024

It is so easy to speak in a manner that tears down.

“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.” (James 3:5–7)

“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.” (James 1:19)

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1–5)

We have been given the ability to rule over our own bodies - including the tongue that desires to set the world on fire. Our hearts are flooded with the love of God. We keep our mouths closed long enough to let love permeate the way we speak. “but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—” (Ephesians 4:15)