The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.—JAMES 1:26 NIV
Perhaps you’ve had a hard time balancing your faith and your work. Maybe the person you’re caring for pushes you to the very limit, causing you to spout off when you should just retreat and pray.
Oh, the tongue! What a wonderful, yet dangerous, tool it is. It can be used both to bless and to curse (James 3:10). And when you’re caring for someone in need, particularly if you’re exhausted, it’s not uncommon for your tongue to get away from you. You might find yourself saying things you know you shouldn’t or reacting in an ugly way.
If you’re struggling with sharp retorts or language laced with bitterness, ask the Lord to tame your tongue. If you don’t get it under control, then your religion is worthless, according to the scripture above.
Folks are watching how you react, both in good times and in bad. Keep that temper in check. Guard your words. A tame tongue reacts only in love.
Father, please tame my tongue! Help me not to react so swiftly. Please guard my words, and give me Your words to speak over every situation.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)