JAMES 3:1–12
A man related how his grandmother struggled to learn Spanish after arriving in Mexico as a missionary. She visited the market one day. The girl who was assisting her saw her grocery list and commented, “It is in two tongues (lenguas).” On the other hand, she really meant to convey that she had written it in two languages. After hearing them, the butcher believed she intended to buy two cow tongues. It was not until my grandmother arrived home that she realised it. She had never before prepared beef tongue!
Mistakes are inevitable when learning a second language, including God’s love. Our speech can be contradictory, as we praise the Lord but criticise others. Our old sinful nature opposes our new life in Christ, highlighting the need for God’s help.
To learn the new language of love, we must make Jesus the Lord of our speech. The Holy Spirit gives us self-control to speak words that please the Father. May we surrender every word to Him, as Psalm 141:3 reminds us to keep a guard over our mouth and lips.
🙏 Lord Jesus, take control of our mouths today.
