The tongue is a complicated thing. It is capable of forming and speaking words, outputting the thoughts and intents of the heart. So often the things we say are contradictory. Scriptures describes it so well,
With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. (James 3:9-12)
Sinful nature encourages the misuse of the tongue. Whether using cuss words, making fun of others for entertainment, or promiscuous jokes, the tongue displays a sinful heart that is far from God. As believers, what we say should be different from the world around us. We worship and serve a holy God, who demands of us to act in a way that represents Him well,
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:1-4)
Words promote thought. If we speak profane things, we promote sinful thoughts in the people around us. If we talk about what is righteous, and the things of God, then we encourage those around us to think on the things of God. Further more, if we claim to be Christians, but take part in putting others down, then we present the idea that God’s love is really not that great. As believers we are called to build each other up with our words, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Words are extremely powerful. What you say can stick with someone for the rest of their life, whether good or evil. Everyone knows how it feels to have harsh words thrown at them, and everyone knows what it feels like to be encouraged. So why are we intent on making others feel the same pain that hurt us so badly?
If we truly desire to live a life pleasing to God we must please Him with both our actions and our words. If we confess that He is LORD, how can we with the same mouth speak what He detests? Ultimately, we must seek the help of the Holy Spirit because we are not capable of taming our tongue on our own (James 3:8). It is only by the power of the Spirit that we can truly control our tongue, so we must go to the LORD in prayer and ask for Him to purify our tongues and our hearts.
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