WATCH YOUR TONGUE PART 2
Main text: Matthew 15:18 – ‘But the things that come out of the mouth, come from the heart, and these make a man unclean’.
‘Do not let any unwholesome talk come out from your mouth but only what is helpful for building up others according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen’ – Ephesians 4:29
Solomon writes, ‘Even fools are called wise when they keep silent’. Would you trust someone who has a frivolous comment for everything? No. Stop and think about what comes out of your mouth before you speak. One prolific writer said, ‘Think about all you have to say’. God has given one of us a tongue which should be used to encourage one another and we must be mindful how we use it. Too often, we have used our tongue to tear people down rather than build them up and this is critical, mostly in close relationships. Criticism given in the wrong spirit undermines a person’s self-esteem and it can make that person become critical of others too.
We can also hurt people with ridicule and sarcasm. A typical example is laughing someone to scorn. Name calling like fatty, sloppy can leave a wound in someone. We equally discourage people by trying to show our superior knowledge in a subject. It is important to hear people’s opinion in a matter especially in a group rather than talking. Learn how to listen. It is often being said, ‘Listen more and talk less’. Remember to consider what you are about to say before saying them.
THE TONGUE IS AN INSTRUMENT OF CREATION, PUT IT IN GOOD USE.
Prayer Point: Lord, give me a wholesome tongue.
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.