James 3:2-12
2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
The tongue is powerful…like an uncontrolled fire
5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
The tongue is poison… like the venom of a snake
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
The tongue is polluted—like a salty spring
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water
Change starts when we pay for what we have poisoned and stop asking others to pay.
How do I take responsibility for my hurtful words?
1. Lament the damage
2. Admit what you said
3. Ask for their forgiveness
4. Make restitution
Let’s find a friend who won’t let us play with poison.
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