Hard to

Pr. Josué Dominguez

May 27th

Can you stop this?

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2)

Tongue

Illustration 1

Vs.3

Illustration 2

Vs.4

“When I was in High School……….

The tongue is a small part of the body that can cause massive destruction. James says it this way in James chapter 3, “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.” Vs.5

Illustration 3

(James 3:6) “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell”

“But no one can tame the tongue, It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse me, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing” (James 3:8-10)

Things to consider

1. Before we speak we should take in to account that we are speaking about people who God made and values. We must work at avoiding this terrible hypocrisy.

2. You shouldn’t go to church and sing worship songs if you’re going to go home and slam your parents or siblings.

3. Before we let our tongue loose we should consider if the words will honor God. I must keep my tongue from starting fires of destruction.

What do you have in your heart?

James says that no one can tame the tongue. It’s true. There is no human rehabilitation program that will fix the tongue. The only way for us to control our words is to start with our heart. Jesus makes this powerful statement in the book of Matthew, “For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” So for us to work on cleaning up our dirty mouth we have to go to the source. Our heart is the root of our thoughts, our actions, and our words.

In our culture today we have more ways than ever to say something without even using our tongue. Dangerous words can be written in a text or even publicized through social media. Be careful what you post on Facebook. These forms of communication can be as equally damaging as words from your tongue.

What to do?

Take an inventory of your recent words, spoken or written. Have you been dishonest? Have you hurt someone? Have you been arrogant? Have you stirred up chaos? These words are coming from your heart. There’s an attitude in your heart towards those people that is fueling unhealthy communication

What do you need?

You need to take your heart before the LORD as David did and pray, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” (Psalm 139:23-24)

What to do?

Allow God to reveal your sinful attitudes and patterns so that He can bring forgiveness and transformation. Then, you need to reconcile with those you have hurt or deceived. Go make it right. Let God be the author of your words and actions. Submit your heart to His words and His will and use your words to build up someone or something this week. May your words leave the legacy of God’s love.

Galatians 5:22