Watch Your Tongue
Be Strong, Be Well — Tuesday, January 12, 2021
There is much to be concerned about these days. Those in government have unleashed the beasts of pride, power, greed, and hypocrisy. It seems they’ll say and do anything to demean, defame, and silence anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Offensive, hateful, angry words promoting outrage and violence spew from the mouths of those who are in positions which are supposed to represent dignity, honor, wisdom, and authority.
Over this past week, I have heard of (and experienced) this anger and outrage that has been unleashed, dividing and alienating once peaceful families and close friends.
Brethren, we cannot get caught up in the ways of the world, no matter how emotionally charged they may be. We must remember as John wrote, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19).
While outrage, violence, and anger are displayed freely by others, followers of Jesus are to choose our words carefully. Words are powerful, whether spoken loudly in anger, or calmly with love and respect. Words can bring comfort, hope, and healing, or wound and trample on the human spirit.
For those wearing the name of Christ, may we do as He did, and choose our words wisely and keep our attitude in check. Truth may have offended His spiritual opponents, but Jesus never lost control of His temper. And just like Him, we don’t always have to say something. There are times when silence is the best answer (Ecclesiastes 3:7). James reminds us, “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (1:19).
Never let politics or anything else of this world damage our relationship with our brethren. As the apostle Paul cautioned, “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:13–15). —Chris