The Bible uses a metaphor in James 3 that shows how impactful and hurtful your words can be to someone close to you. Look at verses 5 and 6 with me, 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
Have you “set someone else on fire” with your words?
- Is there someone that you have told that they “annoy” you?
- How about “disappointment” with another and you have let them know that with an off handed comment?
- Does someone close to you know that they are “unattractive?” You may say, “All I said was, ‘I thought you were on a diet.’” Ouch! That person may feel really ugly as a result.
- Have your words made another feel “unwanted?”
- How about letting someone know that they are not what you expected making them feel like a huge “disappointment?”
- Are your words to your spouse judgmental or accusatory?
- Are you trying to control or manipulate another person?
- Have your words exacerbated your children?
If you have said or saying any of the above, these folks need to hear from you. When they hear from you, make sure that you are intentional and mindful and humble and heartfelt with your choice of words and the manner you say these words to show that they are…
- Valued (Philippians 2:3 Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.)
- Forgiven (Eph. 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.)
- Accepted (Romans 15:7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.}
- Loved (1 John 4:16 Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.)
Does somebody need to hear from you?
Barnabas Man 