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SUNDAY, 18 JUNE 2023

TEXT: James 3:1-12

1. Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment;

2. for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.

3. Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.

4. And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

5. So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites.

6. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.

7. For every creature – animal or bird, reptile or fish – is tamed and has been tamed by man,

8. but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness.

10. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way.

11. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

12. Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.

(Holmans CS Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

A man had a misunderstanding with his wife and got so angry that he started calling her unprintable names. The same man, a church leader, also cursed his son for wasting his money because he did not pass exams.

What kinds of words come out of your mouth when you are provoked? We must watch what we say. Our tongues should be used to encourage people and not curse or run them down.

If not properly used, our tongues can corrupt our entire body and even set it on fire. What comes out of your mouth is a reflection of what is stored in your heart.

If our hearts are clean, our tongues shall equally make pronouncements that bless others.

QUESTION: When you speak, do people see a semblance of Christ in you?

PRAYER: Please take absolute control over my tongue, Oh Lord. Amen.