Learning How to Control our Tongues the easiest area in which to Sin

Learning how guarding our tongue the easiest sinning function we have is wise:

TRUE CHRISTIANS MUST LEARN TO CONTROL OUR TONGUES

The book of James contains a shocking statement. James states that anyone who does not keep a tight rein on his tongue he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. See James 1:26 NIV. Guarding our tongue is serious business for us converted Christians. James Chapter one gives three pieces of advice:

  1. Be Quick to listen
  2. Be slow to speak
  3. Be slow to get angry

See James 1:19 for this advice. When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think their ideas are less important. It is wise to speak less and make thereby fewer verbal sinful mistakes. Being a better listener is also a more loving approach to others. We can help and encourage them if we better understand them thru robust listening.

Teaching others draws greater judgement from God.  See James 3:1-2.  Using our tongue to teach draws greater scrutiny from God.   The tongue is a world of fire that can corrupt the entire body. Good and evil can come pouring out of our mouths. See James 3:6. Be cautious what we teach others.

THE SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BE A VEHICLE TO SUPER CHARGE DESTRUCTIVE GOSSIP

The tongue and mean spirited gossip has always been a problem, but now we have technology to blast it all over any society almost instantly. This can encourage other mean replies published nearly everywhere.  It is like adding high octane fuel to a fire or fight. A new study came out stating that ‘FACEBOOK ‘is a major cause of divorce in America. Probably it is negative things published online about one’s spouse coupled with online flirting. The devil must love these new conduits for gossip and carnality.

The devil is looking for any foot hold he can create. See Eph 4:25-27. Paul says not to give the devil any opportunities for mischief with our emotions. Be careful what we put on social media. Guard against bitterness toward anyone even if they are mean spirited. It is a trap the devil want us to fall into.

 

IF WE CHANGE OUR HEARTS WE CAN CHANGE OUR TONGUE

What is in our minds and hearts will come suddenly pouring out of our mouths. Paul’s says in the letter to the Ephesians that we should not let unwholesome words come out of our mouths but instead words to help and build others up according to their needs. Paul says do not grieve the holy spirit by brawling and slandering each other verbally. See Eph 4:29-32. He instructs us to be compassionate in our words and behavior. Paul further says in Hebrews 12:14-15 to make every effort to live in peace with everyone and do not let a root of bitterness grow between us and others to cause trouble and defile many. Holiness is coupled with living in peace with others verbally. A right relationship with God leads to right relationship with other believers. We need to fight jealousy and envy and all the issues that poison our hearts and fuel evil gossip. Paul recommends a thankful positive heart and attitude and avoiding coarse jokes and other verbal assaults. See Eph 5:4. Be gracious and forgiving toward others, it protects our heart.

 

 

 

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