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. In the book of Genesis, the serpent used its tongue to tell lies from the beginning of creation (Ge 2:16–17; 3:1–6). Being entangled by a deceitful tongue is a sin, too. We should live a life of faith, centering our lives around God’s word. However, when one is faced with trials, the words that rationalize themselves may sound more appealing than God’s word. If one is sweetly tempted, even bad things may seem good, leading them to forget God’s word, so we must be careful.
If one begins to complain, they’ve already received an invitation from the devil. Listening to resentment and complaints can make you lose gratitude toward God (1 Co 10:9–12). A single word mixed with complaints can turn a nearby member, and eventually the entire members, to harbor discontent. Do not follow a tongue that constantly grumbles without listening to God’s word.
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.
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?
Now let our tongues seek God, look to God, and pray for repentance to God (Ro 14:11). The tax collector prayed a prayer of repentance while the Pharisee boasted about himself (Lk 18:10–14). One tongue prayed a prayer that did not lead to salvation, while the other tongue prayed a prayer that pleased God greatly. God accepted the humble prayer of the tax collector when he said, “I am a sinner.” The time of giving thanks to God, seeking God’s help, repenting, and praying is the time when we use our tongues most beautifully.
God has promised to bestow the beautiful kingdom of heaven as an inheritance to those who love God and keep His word, which is beyond what eyes have seen, ears have heard, or minds have conceived (Jn 14:23–24; 1 Co 2:9). Since we have been saved, our tongues should always rejoice. God has given us salvation and allowed us to go to heaven. Let us pray continually and glorify Father Ahnsahnghong and receive the blessing of many fruits.
