PASTOR JOHN COLLINS, EVANGELIST: MURDER BY MOUTH
Once we say something, we can't take it back. Consider the words that you are going to say before you say them. Too many harsh words have created bitter fights, resentments that need to be worked out on both sides, and can shake the foundation of a relationship that isn't based in a strong faith in Jesus Christ. You say much with your tone and your body language and your facial expressions, and we need to be conscious of what we truly are saying.
Pastor John Collins of John Collins Ministries writes:
"But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” James 3:8 (NKJV).
Your tone of voice is an indication of the true intent behind your words. Someone may say something that is true and yet the way in which it is said and the words that are chosen are either combative and malicious, calm and soothing, frank and impartial, or ingratiating and patronizing. Each of us should always be careful of intentions and try to avoid causing others to stumble in this life.
Our emotions determine our actions. When we are angry at someone and have no forgiveness in our hearts for a situation or person then our speech about anything concerning that situation or person will be hateful and bitter. When we are jealous of someone then our speech about them will be spiteful and cutting. When we are hurt we can lash out and try to hurt in return and say awful things that cannot be taken back but just becomes the next set of words and the next situation that must be repented of and forgiven. Life is exhausting if you do not manage to gain the perspective that permits you to desire to seek righteousness and obtain that goal.
Righteousness is doing the right thing all of the time and not just when it suits you. Jesus was righteous and His life taught that you can become righteous and you can do the right thing. You do this by choosing to learn how God sees things and by trusting that God will take care of the justice of this world. Humans are prideful and stubborn and always want to think that they are the wronged party, the misunderstood and the victimized. Humans just have that wrong.
Jesus came and showed us that life isn’t fair, life is tough, and people are judgmental and can be hateful. Jesus came and showed us that forgiveness is right, kindness is good and that God does value His children. Jesus showed us that our words have the power to hurt, heal, encourage, deflate, inspire and so many other wonderful and terrible things. You need to be willing to give your soul a chance at salvation and to that you need to be willing to obey the Lord, hear the Lord and submit to the Lord. You cannot do that if you are always right, always defensive or offensive, prideful, stubborn, unforgiving, hateful, bitter or unwilling to bend.
“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6 (NKJV).
LOVE THAT CROSS, PASTOR JOHN
Before you speak, think. Before you light a fire that can't be stopped, wait. Relationships are worth it. Your heart and your loved ones are worth it.
Pastor John Collins and John Collins Ministries are spreading hope and helping people find their way in world full of struggles. Life is short and time needs to be spent getting ourselves right with Jesus and find our way to God. God wants us back, and it's time for a change. Pastor John Collins can be reached for prayer, ministry, to schedule revival or guest speaking at jcollinsministries@gmail.com.
