Communication
I imagine that our limited ability to forget past wrongs against us is a key reason why we are cautioned so strongly to be careful as to how we speak to one another. Our speech is considered to be of the utmost importance. Yet, many of us, when we become angry, lose our self-control and start “poppin’ off” at the mouth until we’re satisfied that we’ve made our point. I’ve done it. Lord knows I have. But in the course of making that point, what damage do we create in the victims of our wrath?
The carefulness that we are to exercise over the use of our speech is taught to us by James, chapter 3:2.
He says:
"Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way." (NLT)
Too many times, people try to defend their poppin’ off by claiming their moral high ground. They’ll explain that they speak the truth and if you don’t like it, there must be something wrong with you, but definitely not them. Or, in another way, in order for someone to feel good about them self, they will attempt to pull the other person down through criticism and insults, or behind the back innuendo and gossip. Isn’t that what the Pharisees did to Jesus? Pure and simple, that behavior is born of jealousy and is a selfish ambition. And, according to the bible, it is demonic. (James 3:15)
The very act of being able to control our tongue is a key determinant as to how we live our lives. As James continues to explain in chapter 3, the tongue is small, yet incredibly powerful. He illustrates his point by using an example of the rudder of a large ship, able to control its direction at the discretion of the pilot. Our free will is the pilot he speaks of. By submitting our will to the Father, and staying forever mindful of the impact our speech can have on others, we can be effective tools for Christ.
Poppin’ off may feel good ‘cause it allows one to vent, to expel frustration. But, from my limited experience, I can’t think of a single sin that doesn’t feel, or appear to feel, good.
Can you?
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The tongue, words. "Poppin off"....so very true. Good article. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks"...Words are also 'seeds' and they do and will produce a crop, negative or positive. Many of us need to pray for a crop failure. GOD BLESS YOU
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