To Give Grace With Words

“We should use the tongue for good, and for God who gave it.”

“Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect . . . Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body . . . The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil.” Jas 3:2–6

Just as a large ship is steered by a small rudder to navigate the vast sea, our tongue, though a small part of the body, can play a significant role when it is used (Jas 3:2–6). The tongue has the power to both give life and bring death. A single misuse of the tongue can lead to ruin, while using it wisely can bring prosperity. The power of the tongue is that great. When used for good, it becomes the best thing. However, a tongue used for wrongdoing can be truly unfortunate.

Those who have a hard tongue cause discord. Just as people enjoy soft food, gentle words is preferred. Through God’s gracious word, we have received eternal life. We should use the tongue for good, and for God who gave it.

From Mother’s Words, “Although the Tongue Is a Small Part of the Body”

“Love considers whether the words we speak will cause joy, happiness, or any hurt to the other person.”

Love considers whether the words we speak will cause joy, happiness, or any hurt to the other person. Before believing in God, we used to speak and act as we pleased, doing things our own way. However, now we must consider others before ourselves, following God’s word. Loving each other is the process of being born again. To be reborn, we must embrace the good and beautiful heart of Christ, who prayed for sinners and made sacrifices on our behalf for our salvation.

Since we have received the greatest love from God, what more could we desire? God said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (Jn 13:34). This means that since God has loved us and given us eternal life, we should not seek to only receive love, but give love. When we give and consider one another, joy comes to us and we will not be tempted.

From Mother’s Words, “You Must Be Born Again to Enter the Kingdom of Heaven”

“God’s sons and daughters should speak words that are helpful for building others up, rather than unwholesome words that provoke contention or testing.”

“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.” Eph 4:29

God’s sons and daughters should speak words that are helpful for building others up, rather than unwholesome words that provoke contention or testing (Eph 4:29). When you express gratitude to God who has saved you, the brothers and sisters appear favorable and our truth appears good. “Our brothers and sisters are selfless and sincerely strive to seek even one more soul. They truly resemble angels.” “We are heading to the worry-free kingdom of heaven, so how happy we are!” If you always share such words, you will come to think, ‘I’m truly happy.’ This is a gentle tongue.

From Mother’s Words, “Although the Tongue Is a Small Part of the Body”

“Where good and beautiful words are exchanged, laughter blooms. Isn’t it true that sharing good and beautiful words brings happiness?”

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” Pr 15:1–2

Rather than harsh words, let us always speak gentle and gracious words that benefit others and bring joy to others (Pr 15:1–2). The conflicts within a family, whether between spouses or with children, all stem from the use of words. In social life as well as church life, speaking gentle and gracious words that calm the other person’s anger is an act of love. Where good and beautiful words are exchanged, laughter blooms. Isn’t it true that sharing good and beautiful words brings happiness?

From Mother’s Words, “Although the Tongue Is a Small Part of the Body”