James 1:26–27 (ESV)
Hearing and Doing the Word
26 If anyone thinks he is religious and does not
bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
James continues on “active” Christian living. James goes after the tongue which is a small muscle, but can wreck havoc and destroy, or praise and lift up God and others. Do you want to be remembered
and defined by words that come out of your mouth? I know some people that they cannot speak a complete sentence without using bad language. Our tongue often can get us into trouble. We can apologize for what we have said, but the words are
most often never forgotten. As Christians, we need to be careful of what we say and make certain that it is God pleasing. How we live and treat others is a witness to God. Help others and be careful of what you say.
I pray: O Lord, I know that my tongue has gotten me into trouble. I also know that my actions or inaction, has sometimes been a poor witness of my Christian faith. Forgive me and continue to shape me according
to your will. Thank you for your forgiveness. Amen.