Realization

Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. James 3:5 (NIV) 



I realized the other day how I have let my tongue become a disobedient member speaking things that makes others look bad, telling things about them without thought of how it might hurt them and just that I have let this member get too loose lately. I am one of those pendulums that have a tendency to swing from one extreme to another. My prayer is for God to bring me more toward the balanced area of life. How many times have things coming out of my mouth that has set something on fire not purify it but to burn it up?
Father God it is not my words that can purify or change people or anything else I pray you will keep my tongue from sparking fires.



The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

It what ways have I spoke life into my family especially instead of speaking words of death? "Will they ever learn? Grow up? Change their ways? So many times this just brings death instead of saying an encouraging word. Why do I say, "You should know better?" instead of something more positive or head off a behavior  or problem instead coming down on the person afterward.
Father God I pray that you will help me to speak life to the people around me.


O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.  Matthew 12:34 (KJV) 

I speak out of what I have carried in my heart. I can speak words that make someone else look bad, I can speak words to tarnish an others reputation hoping they will look bad like me or worse. I can speak words that betray relationships and curse another person especially if I am feeling that I am scum or dejected or I feel everybody is better than I am or have low self-esteem telling me I will never measure up. Those are lies of the enemy and I don't have to believe them or put them on someone else.
Father help to realize you are the only one who can raise me up talking about someone else's mistakes or life habits will not raise me up.