Taming the tongue
Image: Florian Pircher from Pixabay
When I started working for the church in the summer of 1989, I formed a schools team, called ‘Centre Stage’ with two friends.
Our mission was to visit as many schools in the Basingstoke area, both primary and secondary, offering Christian assemblies.
We worked hard on our first ‘sketch’, for Key Stage 1 and 2 children, a dramatic interpretation of ‘the parable of the wise and foolish builders’ that Jesus told.
We got quite good at it, as we performed it in a number of schools. Then we got an invitation to do an assembly at Brighton Hill secondary school.
This was different to what we had done, as the children were older, there were a lot more of them and we had less time to perform.
There must have been around 1000 pupils, who slowly filed into the large sports hall, with us at one end. We had just 10 minutes, and we really had to project our voices to reach the very back.
We decided to do a short punchy sketch on the power of the tongue, from the book of James in the Bible…
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
I think James’ message is still relevant today, as we all have the ability to say good or harmful things. Our words can build up or tear down.
Over the years, in my role as a church pastor, I have seen that the old phrase, ‘sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’, is simply not true.
Negative words cut deep, they hurt and any scars can remain a long time.
So what do we do? If there is past hurt caused by words said, I think that needs to be dealt with. This can be done through prayer, counselling, or a mix of both!
If we know we have said something harmful, then, if possible, go to that person and seek their forgiveness, and aim to make good the relationship. God will also forgive us if we humble ourselves and ask for His forgiveness.
Try to be someone who says positive, encouraging and affirming words. If difficult things need to be said, do it humbly and gracefully. Sometimes saying nothing at all might be the right thing to do!
May God help us to guard our tongues…
God bless you :)
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader