Winning Over The Tongue

By Fatoki Ifeoluwa

Devotional Reading: Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. James 3:2 NLT

Another area over which we must gain mastery as believers is to win over our tongue. Another way to put this is to render it as our use of words. In fact, while he mentioned that we humans are open to mistakes, he noted that the man who controls his tongue is reckoned as perfect.

Though small, the tongue is likened to three things. First it is likened to bits used to direct a horse. Though a strong animal, bits help to bring the strength of a horse under control. Secondly, the tongue is likened to a rudder, which though small brings direction to large ships. The third is a fire, which though small, can raze down a large forest. The impact of the tongue cannot be overemphasized. To ignore it, or let it loose could bring harm.

There are many who engage in lies, curses, gossip, slander, complaints and ingratitude with their tongues. They never put their tongue to positive use. However, God wants us to engage our tongue and use or words in a positive and edifying manner. Rather than contribute to chaos, we must ensure that our words are gracious and edifying. Rather than contribute to godlessness, our words must convey life.

Prayer and Confession
Father I take mastery of my tongue. My words edify and build up in Jesus name.

Colossians 4:6; James 3:2-18