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REFLECTION

“Speech matters” is the theme for our reflection. Speech is the expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds. A thing is said to matter if it is important or significant. The theme “Speech matters” means the expression of our thoughts and feelings as an essential part of human communication or life. Although speech matters, it is impossible for speech to matter without the use of the tongue. The tongue is a small organ but without it speech is impossible. James describes the importance of the tongue when he wrote that “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. (James 3:3-5)

Beloved in the Lord, speech matters in our relationship therefore we must control our tongues less we destroy our relationships. Unguided speech has caused breakups in relationships, loss of employment, mistrust and even in some situations, the death of people. For instance, during the Rwandan genocide, speech through the radio was used as a tool to influence most Hutus to murder the Tutsis in their numbers. The Irresponsible speech of Herod through an oath led to the death of John the Baptist in Matthew 14:8-10. Again, irresponsible speech has caused disaffection and schism or split in some churches. James admonishes us to“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, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:5-8)

Turning to the positives, speech has also mended broken relationships, through forgiveness and reconciliation. Responsible speech has sparked patriotism and national unity and led to revivals in some churches. The tongue must be use for only that which is good and pleasing to God but not a representation of both good and bad, it is for this reason, James admonishes us to tame the tongue, “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. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (James 3:9-12). Dear friend, speech matters because Jesus cautions us that “… everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37) To avoid judgment we must tame our tongues! How can we tame our tongues as believers? To tame the tongue, we must study and obey the Word of God, allow the Holy Spirit to lead us in our interaction with others and ensure that our speech is impacted by the will of God. It is for this reason, the Psalmist humbly prayed to submit his speech to the Lord when he wrote “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14). Let us be good stewards of the tongue and glorify God through our speech.

PRAYER

Holy Spirit, take control over our emotions and thoughts and most importantly empower us to tame our tongues when expressing our emotions and thoughts through speech. May our speech always be pleasing to God, soothing and inspiring in the ears of our hearers. Amen.