Taming Our Tongue

Verses: James 3 : 1 - 12

My thoughts about the verses:

The tongue can be a very powerful tool.  The tongue can be used to do great good.  Yet, at the same time the tongue can destroy people.  We have to be careful what we say.

It is amazing to think that we can do so much by what we say.  We can share our story of love.  We can tell people about the saving grace of God.  Our actions when we speak can change the world for the good.

We can also destroy people by what we say.  There are so many people that have been affected by people who have said hurtful things.  Many people are hurt deep inside because of the words.  They feel isolated and less than human.

I think back to when I was a kid and being picked on.  The saying that comes to my mind is used to convince people that they should not be upset by what others say.  Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me.  We teach kids this saying to help them deal with the mean things people  say.  Yet, we as adults know deep inside that people can lose their confidence because of words.

Just think about those people that have killed themselves because of the way they have been treated.  Many have attempted to take their life because of the low self-esteem that has been caused by the words of others.  Bullying has led to life’s being ruined.  Therefor sticks and stones may break my bones but words can change the way I feel about myself.

It is a shame that Christians are part of the problem.  People who do not accept others the way they are hurt them from the inside out.  They do not accept them because of actions that they feel are non-christian.  Think about this a moment the people that should be the voice of love has become the voice of hate.

I am going to address the issue that is close to my heart.  How many in the GLBTIQA community do we have to lose to bullying before we take a stand?  Words of hate from churches have driven out a community that needs to feel the love of God.  They are taught that God does not love them.  They are taught that they are living in sin and unless they change their ways they will die and go to Hell.

We have to say enough is enough.  We need to stand up and help those that feel isolated from God.  We need to share the story of love.  We need to let them know that God created them to be just like they are.  We need to help them find the self-esteem that they had before people bullied them. 

The most important thing that we can do is stop the bullying.  Think about how things would be if we took a stand against bullying.  If we as Christians stand up and say that all are welcome.  If we open the doors of the Church to those that need to feel love.  We will find that people will change. 

We need to teach our young that bullying others is wrong.  We need to be there for those that need a safe place.  We need to stop people from being mean to each other.  We have to teach those that are around us that they must accept people just the way they are.  We need to protect those that feel abandoned by society. 

Watch what you say to others.  Always speak love.  Help people find the peace that is God.  Live the Christian life that Jesus taught us.  We need to walk through this world speaking the love of God.  We need to make sure that everything that we say helps each other instead of tearing people apart.  Today is the day that we tame our tongues.  Allow your words to be the truth of Christ’s love.

Prayer:

We love you God.  We praise you for your words of love.  Help us dear God speak the truth.  Help us spread love.  Help us stop the bullying.  Help us welcome those that are feeling isolated in the world.  In the name of the Holy One we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Are you working to stop bullying?  Have you found that bullying can hurt people?  Have you said words that have hurt people?  Is it time that you apologize for what you have said?  Do you need to open your hearts to those that are different from you?