When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can
turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so
large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small
rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part
of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set
on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among
the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of
one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. – James 3:3-6
Dear Jesus,
Help me to believe that I need to take great care to tame my tongue. I love the
examples you give in the horses’ bit and ship’s rudder. Put your gospel bit in my
mouth so my words promote forgiveness, freedom, joy and encouragement.
Make my tongue a rudder that guides life into better relationships that are
positive and uplifting. Remove negativity, selfish judgment and criticism from my
mouth. Help me to leave behind flowers that bloom into beautiful attitudes in
every daily conversation. Oh God, tame my powerful tongue and make it produce
a harvest of goodness.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
One word can release a torrent of conflict and one word of grace can squelch
the same.