As Powerful As a Sword
We have all done it before…opened our mouths and said something before thinking. Usually, there is a misunderstanding and instead of taking the time to gather all the facts, we simply voice our opinion.
This was the case while I was touring a feeding center in Haiti. Children were eating vitamin-enriched porridge. With food still half on the children’s plates, they placed the plates on top of a wall and went off to play. I toured the rest of the facility and when I came back, those plates were gone.
Instead of trying to find out the real reason for the missing plates, I pitched a fit. The gracious teachers then showed me that behind the wall the mothers of these children had gathered to partake in the food their precious children had shared.
How many of us would only eat half our meal when we are hungry and save the rest for our family, or friends? I confess I am not sure if I could be as generous as these children were. However, I do wish that I could have at least said something at that moment that would have lifted someone up instead of making accusations.
God’s word is clear in James 3:5:
“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.”
His word also states in James 3:9:
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.”
The next time you are inclined to criticize or blame someone, ask yourself, “Is this really necessary? I am going to help or hurt someone by my words?” More than likely, you will realize that some things are better left not said.
