There is an old cliché’ that it is better to remain silent and have people think we don’t know anything, than to open our mouths and confirm it! Silence may be a better choice  in other areas also. We, although not necessarily intentionally, use our tongue often in hurtful ways. This same tongue, that one moment Christians use to bless God and sing praises to his Name, sometimes instead of uplifting others and bringing encouragement is often releasing a careless word here or there that causes a brother or sister in the Lord undeserved pain or embarrassment. On occasion, even in a situation that could only be described as gossip! James 1:26 says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” We should be cognizant of the words we speak; we all have heard the excuse “oh they shouldn’t let that bother them” or “they took that the wrong way”. Those statements can be a cop out to avoid the realization that maybe that is an area of our life we haven’t yet let Christ control. Romans 12:2 tell us to “… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal should include, as Psalm 34:13 advises, “to keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.” Proverbs 10:19 says “… he who holds his tongue is wise” This, of course, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t correct or rebuke when a brother or sister is in open sin – we are exhorted to do that in many areas of Scripture, but we are to be careful in not expressing anything that may either put someone down or make them feel unworthy. Favoritism is also condemned in Scripture, and showing favoritism verbally is something we can be sure God does not look favorably on. Let’s commit to, as we move forward toward the goal of “nevertheless not I, but Christ”, choosing our words carefully and not even taking the chance of offending our brother or sister in the Lord. Remembering Christ’s words ” As you have done to the least of these, you have done unto me”…

Rev. Larry Sassmann