We have all heard the phrase ‘do not speak unless spoken to’ right? Generally it is used for women and children or people of a lowly standard to keep them in a place of inferiority and generally unheard. Well my little twist on the ol’ phrase is referring to putting our tongues under the control of the Holy Spirit. To not speak unless spoken through means speaking with power, authority, love, wisdom and so much more (see fruit of the spirit Galatians 5). Often we speak into a situation based on emotion or what we think, there are times when for our sake and the sake of anybody listening, silence is well and truly golden. Each and every day we have the opportunity to be used by God in the things we say and/or do to heal/teach/love a person/people through what we say but do we always recognise it? Do we always take said opportunity? Asking God each and everyday to guide the words we say is very important. However there is a root issue that must be dealt with first, this is the state of the heart. The bible tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34 is just one of a few passages). The Holy Spirit and things of God must dwell and be embedded in our hearts for us to speak words that give grace to those who hear; this includes our own selves (Ephesians 4:9). Our speech is very important to God and our walks as Christians. Matthew 15:11 lets us know that we are defiled not by what goes into our mouths but what comes out of it. What is Holy and what is defiled cannot reside in the same place, one must give way for the other. It is important that even to the point of discomfort, we choose Holiness in speech every time (hard but so worth it!).
This is just a briefing on the matter of the words that ultimately come from our heart. I pray it helps, I know what I say has been a battle for me from a young age. Being a very blunt and emotional person has led to some ‘fires’ (see James 3:5-8). Also my more jovial nature has led to ‘jokes’ that probably caused offence, what we won’t say for the ‘banter’ ay? However the Holy Spirit has made me more and more aware of what comes from my mouth and my new constant prayer comes from Psalm 141:3 – set a guard o Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. There is still some way to go but by His grace, nothing is impossible!