Hellfire and Healing

  The mouth is the rather faulty filter of the heart. In the book of James we read that the tongue is a restless evil, set afire by hell itself. The tongue requires control.
  Oftentimes, I do not think about what I have said, or what I am saying. Words take nano-seconds to slip out and then leave my mind moments after they have taken form. Yet these seemingly insignificant collections of sounds are incredibly powerful. If I do not remember them, someone will. Whether they be written down or branded on the heart of a hearer, words will continue past the realm of sound. There is no bigger farce than the phrase, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." The things I say have an effect, and the effect has the potential to be devastating to my fellow man.
  If that is not scary enough, it gets worse. There is not a word that slips past the all-knowing God. Every word, intentional or idle, will be judged by Him. My words have more than immediate consequences, they have eternal consequences. I will be held responsible, not only for the things I do, but also for the things I say.
  Because of my fallen humanity, I say far too many things I should not. In my anger, my selfishness, regrettable words slip out. There are so many sorrows I and others could have been spared had I simply kept my mouth shut. By my own power, I am hopeless to be saved from the whirling hellfire that lights my tongue.
  As a Christian though, I can give the words of life with my tongue. There is more to me than just a fallen nature. I am redeemed by Christ, the Holy Spirit lives in me. Through His strength I can do more than just hurt with my tongue. I can heal. The words for my mouth and the meditations of my heart can be pleasing in the Lord's sight. They can be uplifting to others. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I can control my tongue, it can be bridled. I do not have to live in the light of the fires of Hell.