The Tongue

The tongue cuts deeper than no other, it is but the greatest of weapons. It can make or break a person. Heal or make the damage worse. As the book of James says, it is a fire that burns, it leaves its harsh mark that will be there for you to always remember, to always feel. Many times we forget hoe hurtful the tongue truly is. We forget how one word can make or break a person, make or ruin a day. So many times we forget this when we dish out our opinions, our feelings. But what happens when it’s dished out to us? We get BURNT. It’s a lot harder to be on the receiving end. Our words hold a lot more power than we give them credit for. We forget that some of the greatest rulers didn’t rule just because of brute strength, but because they knew their words held power. For example, Pharaoh knew that people trembled at the mere glimmer of a threat. Hitler used his words to basically brainwash a whole nation. It’s because they knew exactly how to use their words and the effect they had on the people that they succeeded at what they did.

 I’m not saying to become like these leaders of the past, but rather encourage you to be leaders of the present through being aware of what you say so that others follow your step. To be slow to speak, quick to think and quick to listen (James 1:19). When about to say something, think, will the other person be affected, hurt? If so why? Especially when dishing out criticism. Being over critical hurt. It damages, it breaks. The self-esteem of a person is shattered when criticised too much. They start to question themselves, asking themselves, 'why?' that one question is the worst of all, it leaves a pit of doubt, self-pity, fear, shame... brokenness. And how to avoid this, being careful with your words.

I hope that this post is an eye opener. I don’t write it to criticise, but instead to make people aware. As a generation we are faced with the most demanding of expectations but are also faced with the increase of bluntness and over-criticism. I feel that we need to at least start a change in the culture, to decrease one less struggle that we face daily. By no means am I perfect when it comes to my words, I struggle all the time. maybe not with people at school, church or just generally outside my home, but when it comes to my intermediate family, well that’s a struggle, especially when you all pick at each other’s blemishes ever so often. I do try though, and hope you’ll start trying too.

Ellah xx