We either sadden or gladden the Spirit by the use of our tongue. Our tongues control not only our bodies but even the movement of the Spirit (Jas 3:2). Therefore "never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them" (Eph 4:29). "Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind" (Eph 4:31).
Also, we must control our tongues so that "seldom is heard a discouraging word." For example, the great Elijah began to speak death, negativity, and defeat. Shortly he changed from a one-man army into a victim of depression. Elijah "prayed for death: 'This is enough, O Lord! Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers' " (1 Kgs 19:4). God's word is "spirit and life," not depression and death (Jn 6:63).
Furthermore, we should guard against murmuring and complaining (Jn 6:41). This misuse and abuse of the tongue deprived the Israelites of entering the promised land (see Nm 14:1-24). It also prevented the Jews from receiving Jesus' great revelation of Himself as "the Bread of Life" (Jn 6:48).
The tongue is like a valve that can either open up or shut off our hearts. If the Lord controls our tongues, He controls our whole bodies (Jas 3:2).
| PRAYER: | Lord, may I continually offer You "a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which acknowledge" Your name (Heb 13:15). |
| PROMISE: | "If anyone eats this bread he shall live forever; the bread I will give is My flesh, for the life of the world." –Jn 6:51 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Whose lips were filled with love and mercy! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College