If you do not lead your tongue, it will lead you
James 3:2
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
Training the tongue starts and ends with the heart.
James 3: 14-18
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Build it on grace and God’s word.
Enforce it by consistent discipline and great coaching.
Dime Jar or Quarter Jar or Dollar Jar.
Encourage don’t discourage
Ephesians 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Would it have been best to say nothing?
Proverbs 17:28
Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.
Was it helpful?
Do not let any unwholesome words come out of your mouth.
Who did it build up?
Did it meet their needs?
Who did it benefit?
But only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Was it loving?
1 Corinthians:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Are you shining like a star?
Philipians 2:14-16
Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Comments