Think before you speak
I like pebbles. They are smooth, and very soothing to touch; they are all different and interesting to look at; they can be used for decoration; they can create drainage – and many other useful purposes. Yet pebbles and other stones can also be used for bad purposes. If anyone were to pick one up and throw it, it would cause damage – to people or property. Something so beautiful, could also be used to hurt.
And so it can be with words, James reminds us. The tongue is such a small thing, but the repercussions of what we can do with it are enormous.
A kind word can go a long way. I can encourage, cheer, build self-esteem, make someone feel loved and cared for. Equally, the wrong word can destroy or harm. We can spread good very quickly, and evil just as quickly by what we say. We can show people God, or turn them away with our words. Something said quickly and perhaps without thought, can change someones life for good, or bad.
So Isaiah points us to the Lord’s Servant. Every morning he is eager to hear what God is going to teach him. He knows that God has taught him what to say – and that those words will strengthen the weary. God’s words are good words. Our responsibility is to be his mouthpiece. To use our words for good. To use our words for God.
It can be so easy to say what we want to. Will that strengthen, encourage, and bring people to God?
Let’s listen to him, and each day use his words of love, comfort, strength and hope.
Pam's Perambulation 