O how unclean our mouths have become!
Take an inventory of yourself and your hasty words, cursing and violent words, lustful and blaspheming words, false words, lying words, gossiping words, flattering, harsh and belittling words.
Would we be acceptable to our Lord in our thoughts and speech?
“Their throat is an open grave;
they use their tongues to deceive.”
“The venom of asps is under their lips.”
“Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” (Romans 3:13–14)
Christ himself says:
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Matthew 12:36–37)
What excuse can you give before Christ for your careless thoughts and words?
Jesus’s point is that all our words matter and all our words will be recalled against us. What we say is so intimately connected to our hearts that even our careless words reveal how and what we think.
Repentance is Vital
We must repent as part of our daily relationship with Our Lord.
Evidence that our repentance is real, evidence we are actively pursuing transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit is found in all our spoken words. Often we must bridle our tongues, but if we don't our uncontrolled, foolish words can destroy friendships, families, churches, and careers. The question then becomes what bridles are we willing to put on our words to control them?
Control Your Words
Are you willing to do the hard work of bridling your words, for Jesus’s sake. Are you willing to demonstrate your love for him (John 14:15)? Do you have any desire to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)? We must we wise and not foolish understanding if we don’t bridle our tongues and fingers, our words can and will be used against us on the day of judgment.