What’s up, Whispering Wellsprings!
Hold on to your hats, word wizards, because today we’re plunging into the deep end of the pool of conversation. As we dip our toes into James 3:9-12, we’ll explore the fascinating link between our hearts and our speech. So, grab your swim goggles, and let’s dive in!
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:9–12 (NIV)
James wows us with this nugget: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9). In essence, our tongues are like those Swiss Army knives – one minute we’re using them to bless God, and the next, we’re whipping out the corkscrew of criticism on our fellow humans. Talk about a mixed bag!
And then, pastor James drops this bombshell: “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” (James 3:10). Ouch! James is spot on here. It’s like using the same kitchen knife to cut both birthday cake and onions. One minute you’re enjoying fluffy cake, and the next, you’re crying onion tears!
But wait, didn’t Jesus mention something about this too? Ah yes, in Matthew 12:33–34, Jesus says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” That means our words are like little heart messengers, broadcasting what’s going on inside us. So if our words are a bit prickly, maybe it’s time for a heart checkup, eh?
Now for the big question: Can our hearts change? Absolutely! Remember, we’re not alone in this. God is the ultimate Heart Surgeon, ready to perform a spiritual bypass on us. He can replace our stony hearts with ones of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26), transforming our words from prickly to peachy.
So, my Verbal Ventriloquists, are we ready to let God tune our heart-strings? Ready to let our words flow from hearts overflowing with His love? Let’s get heart-to-heart with God and see the miracles He can work!
How do your words reveal the condition of your heart? Share your prayer to God in response.
Our words reveal the condition of our hearts by how we respond to others, especially when times are tough or difficult. Having a heart full of God’s Love allows us to be able to absorb the ups and downs of life while continuing to reflect His love on those we encounter in our daily lives.
I used to think that my kids brought out my Ill-tempered side..turns out they just pulled back the respectable veneer to reveal my true prickly heart.
It’s from the overflow of that selfish, insecure heart that my mouth speaks.
I’m a slow learner. But finally, over the years, I’ve learned to invite the Holy Spirit into that space when I’m tempted to unleash a sarcastic word or look..and cooperate with His interrogation: “what do you feel you have to have now that is being threatened? Control? Respect? Comfort?” And He uses that extra bit of space to give me perspective..that I should prioritize the relationship above all else.
Amy: In order to change your words, one must change the condition of his/her own heart first. The root of the problem is us. The words that is spoken is what comes from our hearts.
Dear Father God,
I come to you and let you know that I need help in taming my tongue and also purifying my heart so I’m able to use my words and actions to build relationships and communicate with your people. The fact that I’m able to speak is a great blessing from You, oh God. Please help me use my words to glorify You—by encouraging others, and to loving others.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your love and mercy for us. May you continue to mold me into your likeness and make my heart pure and true. I pray that you help me to think deeply before I speak and that my words may build up and encourage. May I not speak out of anger and see others with your grace daily. Amen
(from Hai)
I used to think that my kids brought out my Ill-tempered side..turns out they just pulled back the respectable veneer to reveal my true prickly heart.
It’s from the overflow of that selfish, insecure heart that my mouth speaks.
I’m a slow learner. But finally, over the years, I’ve learned to invite the Holy Spirit into that space when I’m tempted to unleash a sarcastic word or look..and cooperate with His interrogation: “what do you feel you have to have now that is being threatened? Control? Respect? Comfort?” And He uses that extra bit of space to give me perspective..that I should prioritize the relationship above all else.
God, I’ve noticed that these past few weeks have been quite rocky and my words was a testament to that. I pray that you continue to shine truth into my life and allow my heart to align in the direction you want it to go that will replicate Your truth.