Friday, June 1, 2012

Firey Words

In many ways, words are like fire. The thing about fire is that it can be used for good or for evil. When contained and controlled fire can be used for good things like providing warmth, creating weaponry, or signaling for help. However, fire that is not under control can be extremely harmful. It can easily spread and become a huge and deadly forest fire. We all know that words can be very dangerous and hurtful. And all too often its damage spreads like wild fire. James describes this effect, "Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evils among the parts of the body" (James 3:5-6). However, words are not always a bad thing. Words can and should be used positively to build people up, spread the good news, and warn people of danger. Only when the tongue is under control can it function this way. Self-control is a result of the work of the Holy Spirit and must be given to us by God. Therefore, let us pray for God's mercy to give us gracious and edifying speech that does not harm others. "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad" (Proverbs 12:25).