Controlling our Tongue

“If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.1.26.NASB1995

I don't know about you but most days I am around people that don't know how to control their tongues. Yes, most of the time we think of people using the vilest of curse words. But what about just general conversations? Do we have the ability to hold our tongue when we need to? Do we speak words flavorful of Jesus? 

“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/col.4.6.NASB1995

Too much salt in conversations with others can turn them off of Jesus saying, “they are always talking about God.” but too little salt and they will say, I never knew they were a Christian.” 

Some of you may say well we cannot control the tongue. I beg to disagree.

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/jas.3.8-10.NASB1995

The tongue cannot be tamed but it can be controlled. What we allow out of our mouths is how we control it. We don't have to let everything just fly out with no thought on how it will be received.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭NASB1995‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/100/pro.18.21.NASB1995

We have the power to kill or heal! What will you choose in your next conversation?