There were many "gems" included in the Sunday message given by my brother Jim, who based his teaching on James 3, subtitled "Taming the Tongue" in my Bible.
Among other things, Jim noted that "...the tongue reveals the condition of the heart." James 3:5 warns: "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 person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
In short, we believers need to take care to check our words before we speak, especially during times of high emotions.
On the other hand, our words can be used by the Lord to introduce the gospel, and to educate, edify and encourage. Jim reminded us how important it is to regularly encourage those around us, including our spouses and children. With reference to the "Authentic Manhood" ministry of Robert Lewis, he urged us to use the power of words with our children to say: 1) I love you 2) I am proud of you, and 3) I appreciate the gifts God has bestowed on you, and I want to encourage you to use those gifts to glorify His name.
In our ongoing "battle" to tame the tongue, Jim urged us to 1) submit to God 2) fill our hearts with His word, and 3) be controlled/guided by the Holy Spirit. Wise counsel, indeed.
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