Are you discouraged and hopeless about how often your tongue hurts others? Do you think you will never stay calm in an emotionally charged moment? Maybe you justify your harsh words and so you never get better. I want you to know that God gives hope in His Word, and that is my focus for this article.

Learning these ways may take a lifetime, but since we use words daily, it is worth the investment it takes to please the Lord. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus, then you have the Holy Spirit. And He is your Helper. When you call on Him, you will make progress as you cooperate with Him. I know this personally, and I am still learning. And it is humbling.

*As you read, use your Bible to look up some of the passages that I did not type.

5 Winning Ways To Use Your Tongue:

1. SILENCE –Proverbs 17:27&28 – In the heat of a disagreement, the words you choose NOT to speak bring glory to God. I know that some say if you think bad thoughts, then that is just as bad as speaking them. I don’t believe that. Yes, God cares a lot about our thoughts. But when you choose not to say what you think in the moment, that shows restraint both of your tongue and your thoughts. Restraint is character. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit(Galatians 5:22-23). Silence is a gift in a heated moment. After the moment has passed, you are guilt-free of angry words. And, have you thought about silence as an act of love? It honors both people by giving both a chance to understand instead of winning. If winning is your goal, you will never be silent.

2. INSTRUCTION– Proverbs 31:26 – Instruction is a remarkable trait. Most people around you, whether your children, a friend, or a colleague, often don’t know what to do in any given situation. The Holy Spirit will let you know when your help is needed. Yes, mind your business, but don’t be uninvolved. Be discerning. Create beneficial conversations. God can use your instruction in their life.

3. INTERVENTION –Jeremiah 17:14 – “heal me and I will be healed, save me and I will be saved.“ Sometimes, for people to be healed, they need your intervention. People have to get out of denial to heal. If you have a loved one who is sinning greatly, God may use your tongue to bring an intervention. If God places you in that position to give that strong word, He will enable you.

If you are the one who needs the intervention, try to listen. To have someone in your life who loves you enough to intervene is an eternal contribution. Their weary and risky work on your behalf is a true display of unconditional love. One day, you will thank them.

4. COMMENDATION –I wrote a whole article about the important of commendation here: https://valerierumfelt.com/2024/04/30/accept-commendation/

5. SHARE THE GOSPEL- I can’t think of a better way to use your tongue. Several articles about salvation are on this site. Here is one for your reference:https://valerierumfelt.com/2020/06/14/follow-jesus/

The article has the necessary ideas and verses to share with others. Just because God is still working on your life doesn’t mean you can’t share the gospel with someone else. Becoming a Christian does not make anyone perfect. So, share the Gospel. Use your tongue to give eternal and living hope to another. Ultimately, it is their choice. But be ready if they are ready and lead them to saving faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise God.

©Valerie Rumfelt