3 March 2019 - from the heart

Today's Readings

(Audio)

When a sieve is shaken, the husks appear;
so do one's faults when one speaks.

The test of our ability to control what we ourselves say is one that Scripture strongly recommends. Other people may speak well and persuasively and it doesn't mean that they have a life that backs up those words. Granted, if they don't their words will eventually betray. Yet it is a more effective strategy when applied to the plank in our eye than the spec in our brother's eye.

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless (see James 1:26).

The tongue can made made to say all sorts of noble sounding words about love and compassion. But without the Holy Spirit we will be unable to prevent it from talk which divides, wastes, and distracts.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (see Ephesians 4:29).

Jesus is the Word of the Father. He reveals the Father's heart to man. So our words reveal more about us than we'd like to admit, for "from the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks."

To tame the tongue is not possible with mere human strength. We'll always slip up and complain, gossip, and speak endless other words that tear down rather than build up. We need a guide who is not blind if they are to lead us. We need someone with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's job is to remind us of everything Jesus said. He gives us words when we need to speak. He has a specific ministry around giving words to us, whether, knowledge, wisdom, prophecy, or tongues. The Holy Spirit can fix our spiritual speech impediments and enable us to proclaim God's Word.

There is hope for us, even if we have some bad habits around the use of our language. That is why we say "thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Even now in this mortal life our corruptible speech can be clothed with the incorruptible Spirit of God. The resurrection of Jesus can transform every aspect of ourselves until he only  fills our hearts.

 Death is swallowed up in victory.
Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?

Quick, before Lent..