Speaking love

Which muscle is the most destructive in the whole body? But can also be the most encouraging?

The tongue! It weighs only 56g (2oz) but can build people up or crush them. The Bible refers to it over 1000 times (tongue and lips 100 times, mouth and lips 400 times, and words 500 times) often telling us to mind our tongue and be careful what we say. So, here are some 'Responsible tongue management' tips:

1. Take responsibility for your words and begin to exercise restraint
"I said, ‘I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth while in the presence of the wicked." Psalm 39:1

2. Listen more and speak less
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19

3. Get rid of iffy language and inappropriate humour
"But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."" Ephesians 4:3-4

4. Refuse to gossip
"Do not go about spreading slander among your people." Leviticus 19:16

5. Avoid arguments
"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels." 2 Timothy 2:23

Ephesians 4:29 probably sums it all up in one sentence:
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. "

Isn't the Bible a practical book?!

(From Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to change us from the inside out, by Joanna Weaver)