Yesterday our Sunday sermon was about how our mouths can be WMD's (Weapons of Mass Destruction) or WOG's (Words of Grace). James 3 talks about our speech and how blessings and cursings can come out of the same mouth. In reference to this, James says, "Surely my brothers and sisters this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grape vine produce olives? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring."
We left church with this lesson firmly planted in our hearts. We talked about not allowing our tongues to be Weapons of Mass Destruction, newly reminded of the ugliness it can create. We also discussed how much better it would be if we offered Words of Grace to the people around us. Our pastor brought up a remarkable concept -- what if everyone in the church refused to use their mouths as WMD's. Church and our communities would look much different. We would actually live in the midst of love and peace.
Okay, so we felt we thoroughly understood the concept and then today -- Wham! A conflict between two people I care about broke out--both Christians. As I witnessed one of these people give the other a hateful tongue lashing the verses that say, "The tongue is restless and evil, full of deadly poison," came to my mind. Witnessing the wounds inflicted filled me with sorrow. As I think on it I wonder at the depth of sorrow felt by our Heavenly Father.
Why do we do this to one another? Do we take lightly the words that say, "People will know us by our love?" Sometimes I wonder what we've done with love. In 1 Corinthians 13 it is said to be more important than faith and hope. We are commanded to love one another. Yet it seems we easily fall into a seek and destroy mode whenever it suits us. I would venture a guess that we can all remember at least one occasion when we tore into someone we supposedly loved, leaving wounds behind.
God would not tell us to do something that is impossible. And yet, it's clear WE can't control our tongues. However, God can if only we will offer our will up to Him. He makes all things possible.
Think about it -- A weapon of mass destruction means devastation. What if we pounce on someone and then wish we could take back the poisonous words we thrashed them with? Some words cannot be reclaimed. We need to think before we speak. Irreparable harm can result when tongues are allowed freedom to corrupt.
How much better it would be to tame the tongue instead . . . and love one another.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
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