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James 3:7-8 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.
It’s a sad reality that many in the West grow up hearing phrases like, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Statements such as these are a big lie. Words hurt. A lot. Physical wounds heal over but the pain from hurtful words can last a lifetime. Words that are condescending, demeaning, judgmental, and/or shaming leave a lingering pain. Those who hear such words thrown at them often feel worthless and insignificant.
Another sad reality is this: even though we have all experienced tremendous hurt from somebody else’s words, we often attempt to justify our own hurtful words. “What I said may have sounded harsh, but it was true. And speaking the truth isn’t ever a bad thing.”
James, as well as many other Scripture passages, remind us that words have tremendous power. Even our own. And while James notes that “nobody can tame the tongue,” we can all do our best to apologize and ask forgiveness for the times we speak when we ought not.
READING & PRAYERS:
JAMES 3:1-18, PROVERBS 13:3, 17:28, MATTHEW 12:33-37
QUESTION: When is a time somebody else’s words caused you tremendous pain? Similarly, can you think of a time when your words may have caused somebody else tremendous pain? What steps may God be inviting you to take so that your relationship with others can begin to be restored?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Write down a list of a few things that help you experience peace and contentment in life. Then consider creating a plan that leads to you saying “yes” to these things more regularly and “no” to others.
Take a Step: Remember to continue utilizing the One Minute Pause app throughout the week. If possible, begin to explore and practice the 3, 5 or 10 minute pause to more deeply root yourself in Christ.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, today’s questions were difficult for me because I know I have tried to justify the hurtful words I have shouted at others. Yet I know that it is of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Continue to change my heart so that I speak words of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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