DEVOTIONAL
#faith #motivation #scripture #inspiration #bible #devotional
by Roger Huston, PhD, MPA
📖 “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so” (James 3:5-10).
🗣 Greek: “Kai he glossa pur…he spilousa holon to soma.” Literally in English, “And the tongue (as an organ of speech) is a (metaphorical) fire…it defiles [or pollutes] the whole [or all] of the living body [or self].”
This passage has always been challenging for me! 💯 No parables, no complex theology. Just real talk!! Its message cuts deep for those of us who are more aggressive and egotistical. Even those who are more passive-aggressive or just passive and humble have probably felt the ill effects of a poorly worded message. Maybe the context of your message was ill-chosen, or you chose an inopportune or inappropriate time to say something. 🤔 Regardless of what, why, or how, most of us have at some point in our lives regretted what we have said.
I always try to tell the truth when speaking my mind. People don’t always like what I have to say, but if it comes from a pure and humble heart, sometimes honesty is hurtful. Sometimes I really feel awful about the things I have said because they have hurt or offended people, especially those I love the most. 😞 Sometimes my intentions with what I have said, or the way I have said things, were out of spite and selfishness. 🙄
My friends, I have sinned and fallen sort of the glory of God with my language. Luckily, however, we have a loving and forgiving God who gave his Son for us! ✝️ So, if you are like me, you probably wonder what can do to prevent fiery language in the future?
🙋♂️ For me, I have found that maintaining physical and mental balance greatly helps in my ability to think clearly about what, how, and why I say something. The intention, tone, and delivery of language are just as important, and in some cases, maybe even more important than what you say. I have found that if I wait to say something that I feel needs to be said—but might be hurtful—that I wait to do so after exercising and meditating to ensure my emotions remain reasonable and my argument is rationale. Again, mental and physical balance is crucial.
👀 The passage reveals the idea of how our language can poison our whole selves. A holistic approach to health, including mental and physical health, is so significant to ensuring we can live our best lives and fully love God and our neighbor. So, if you are feeling stressed, and your language is becoming fiery or toxic, take some personal time to yourself. 🙌 For increased spiritual balance, make sure to pray, read scripture, relax, take a walk, take a bath, listen to music, do whatever may help you return to a healthy physical and mental balance. Everyone, including God, will be glad you did! 🙏
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