Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires  -- Do you need to develop a whole new vocabulary ?

Words are powerful things.

« Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire. » James 3:5-6

Words can destroy relationships, instill fear, create limitations and engender strife. Words can also heal, give birth to faith and vision, forgive and love.

Each of us will either be masters of our words or be mastered by them. The words we release into our lives and the lives of others can carry the life and faith of God, or the confusion and destruction of the enemy.

When we speak, let us learn to consider our words carefully. Are they coming from the Spirit of God or from our carnal mind? Are we reacting from emotion, or pausing, and then ministering grace to those who hear. Let’s follow Jesus’ example:   «So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.» John 12 :50. --Barry Bennet  

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« If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. » James 1 :26

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You can change your world by changing your tongue. Remember that death and life are in the power of the tongue. --Proverbs 18 :21

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Speak with words that will impact positively the world around you. Just like throwing a stone in a middle of a pond will cause ripples, your words will cause ripple effect around you.

« Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. » Ephesians 4 : 29-30 

As this verse expresses it clearly,  the way we talk and live can bring sorrow and grief to the Spirit of God. We do have the possibility of making  God happy or sad. Does your speech make God smile happily upon you or does it sadden Him ?

There is no doubt that this is speaking of more than just cursing or profanity. Gossip, slander, criticism and mocking would be included also, as well as griping and complaining. All of our speech is supposed to edify and encourage others in the goodness of God.

If some believers would take this verse to heart, they would have to develop a whole new vocabulary.

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What would be considered corrupt communications ? Gossip, using harsh and unloving words, humiliating others, lying, cursing and cussing. By doing these things, you become a person that not only hurt others but also grieve the Holy Spirit of God. Some of us need a complete makeover in our speech.

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“...But the human tongue is a beast that few can master. It strains constantly to break out of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it will turn wild and cause you grief.” ―R.Greene,The 48 Laws of Power

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« But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned. » Matthew 12 : 36-37

« It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth. » Matthew 15 :11

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Psalm 52:2 : The tongue devises mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

No matter how religious you think you are, the true test proving your spirituality is whether you bridle your tongue or not. Bridle means to restrain and control. If we are not controlling our tongues, we are not operating in the level of spirituality God wants us to have.

The power of the tongue is so great that it is capable of discouraging or encouraging, hurting or healing, tearing down or building up.

The best time for you to hold your tongue is when you feel you must say something or bust.

Never trust your tongue when your heart is bitter.

Wounds given by the tongue are sharper than those given by the sword.

The words of the tongue should have three gate keepers : Is it true ? Is it kind ? Is it necessary ?

Before the tongue can speak, it must have lost the power to wound.

Your words are like a super power. Use them for good and not for evil.