READ: James 3:3-5 NLT
'We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.'
The tongue is incredibly powerful, for good or ill. I recall the story of the young man who had shared some gossip about the local clergyman. Having heard about the rumours the clergyman, with great gentleness and wisdom, took the young man to the top of the church tower. Once there he handed the young man a feather pillow and asked him to rip it open. The feathers floated all over the village and some of them lifted by the air currents headed off into the far distance. The clergyman invited the young man now to pop the feathers back into the pillow. The young man protested that that would be absolutely impossible and the clergyman pointed out that that was exactly the same with the rumours that he had been spreading.
Once our words have been spoken they have a life of their own. There is no way in which they can be taken back. This places an enormous responsibility on all of us, whatever our way of life, and a particularly awesome one upon those of us who are teachers. This chapter begins by James asserting that not many should presume to be teachers, because we will be judged more strictly than others.
Harsh and badly chosen words can wound people for years to come. I have met many people who believe that their confidence was stunted as a child by cruel words spoken by parents, teachers and others. But the opposite is also gloriously true. Well chosen words can bring life, encouragement and joy for years to come. I thank God for that line of amazing people who have gone out of their way to encourage me over the years. What a gift!
QUESTION: Who will you be able to encourage today?
PRAYER: Lord, forgive me that I have often chosen my words badly. Teach me to speak words today that will bring life, peace and joy wherever they go. Amen.

Released on 6 Nov 2020