Big Mouth

I attended The King's Glory Church in King's Lynn today which is a parish of The Redeemed Christian Church of God. 

I was reminded of how powerful words are and that I should be more careful about what comes out of my mouth. I want to share part of the sermon with you, my faithful readers.

Text - James 3:1-12

Topic - Big Mouth

Our mouths can set on fire the entire body, hence we need to learn to tame it.

Sins we commit with our mouths include:

Coarse, obscene jokes - Harmful jokes. Not edifying. Being scornful. Making fun of people that are different from you. Eph. 5:4

Complaints - Murmuring and grumbling. Being ungrateful. Phil 2:14 says, "Do all things without grumbling or questioning". 1Peter 4:9, 1Cor. 10:10

Gossips - Backbiting. Lev. 19:16 says, "Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbour's life. I am the Lord". Ps. 34:13

Harsh criticism - Matt. 7:1-3. When we do not correct out of love and for building the person but out of pride or jealousy. We should learn to give praise more than criticism.

Boasting - We are only allowed to boast about knowing God, Jer 9:24 and take pride in weaknesses because therein God’s strength is made perfect. 2 Chor 12:9

Speaking fear/doubt - Negative words can easily become self-fulfilling prophecies. Jer. 1:7, But the Lord said to me, Do not say "I am too young"

Foolish talk, idle words - Talk of fools, we will give account for every idle word. Matt. 12:36, Eph. 4:29

Practical ways of taming my tongue

1. Be quick to hear and slow to speak James 1:19, Prov. 17:28
2. Be careful what you say. Words are prophecies. To our children, to our spouses and to the Lord. Eccl. 5:1-2. In speaking with others, conversations must be full of grace.
3. Speak gently. Prov. 15:1,4. A gentle answer deflects anger. Beware that texts and emails are tone deaf. They can stir up strife when not intended. When in doubt about how it will be received, speak in person.
4. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What are we filling out hearts with? 

My personal take-home message is to be thankful always and avoid complaining.

Quite timely, I discovered a song I have had on repeat since this morning. 'Nwachinemelu' by Kinsu & Dabz of CIA entertainment. I have made a dance video. Click here to watch. Don't forget to leave your comments below. Ciao

Radiant ~ September 2018