23 November 2018 @7:53 Tongue~according to webster dictionary a : language; especially : a spoken language b : manner or quality of utterance with respect to toneor sound, the sense of whatis expressed, or the intentionof the speaker she has a clever tongue a sharptongue : the power of communicationthrough speech The tongue is a small part of the body… it makes great boasts’ (James 3:5). This small instrument has enormous power. It can cause great damage but it can also bring extraordinary blessings. It is vital to get control over our tongue. We have a responsibility, not only for the words that we speak, but also for whose words and the kinds of words we listen to. Remember that whoever gossips to us will probably gossip about us. Our words are powerful. With kind and encouraging words, we can change a person’s day – or even their entire life. The tongue has a power to bring peace. The words we speak can be either life-giving or destructive. Words can cause a great deal of trouble. ‘The perverse stir up dissension, and gossips separate close friends’ (Proverbs 16:28). Gossip has the power to break up friendships. Words have the power to destroy relationships: ‘Hatred starts fights’ On the other hand, they have the power to heal relationships: ‘But love covers over all wrongs’ Control of the tongue is vital. ‘When words are many, sin is not absent, but the wise hold their tongues’. If someone has offended us, don’t return the offence. It is said that holding a grudge is like letting someone live rent free in our head. Instead, return hatred with love. Speak well of the other person even behind their back and we may find that our love puts an end to the fight and heals the relationship. There is also power in written words, the Bible. As we read we are engaging in doing something that is not only interesting and informative, but is also life-changing. Spoken words do not contradict the written words of Scripture rather they complement to each other. Fill our mind with God’s truth. This will affect our thinking – yur thoughts will be thoughts of truth, freedom, love, victory and peace. Take this responsibility seriously. How we speak and how we listen will affect the whole atmosphere in our home or the place where we are. Our words are powerful. Always speak positive, encouraging words of life and blessing everywhere we go. Lord, help me today to control my tongue – to speak only words of love and life. Help me always to respond to any wrong committed against me with words of love.