God’s Word speaks much about our tongue and its use. We read that counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out. Several excellent aids to “draw out” the thought processes which drive a tongue’s reaction came across my desk this week (primarily from my son’s Landmark Freedom Baptist homeschool curricula) [1] which I thought to share. Consider posting these nearby as I have.
This short list offers easy-to-digest tips which admonish and reprove how we are to mentally treat others before speaking. Which do you need to be reminded of the most?
Slow to suspect - quick to trust
Slow to condemn - quick to justify
Slow to offend - quick to defend
Slow to expose - quick to shield
Slow to reprimand - quick to forebear
Slow to belittle - quick to appreciate
Slow to demand - quick to give
Slow to provoke - quick to help
Slow to resent - quick to forgive
This next short poem should prevent us from getting “The Selfie” award, where our speech tends to be about ourselves, our woes, and our lives. Christians are to love one another, and not be desirous of vain glory. One approach is to consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. We are to look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. When another Christian’s speech falls short of this mark, God through Paul exhorts us to [forbear] one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Consider taking one stanza of the poem and use it to construct a bridle for your tongue this week.
A Memory System
Priscilla Leonard
Forget each kindness that you do
As soon as you have done it;
Forget the praise that falls to you
The moment you have won it.
Forget the slander that you hear
Before you can repeat it;
Forget each slight, each spite, each sneer
Wherever you may meet it.
Remember every kindness done
To you, whate'er its measure;
Remember praise by others won
And pass it on with pleasure.
Remember every promise made
and keep it to the letter;
Remember those who lend you aid
And be a grateful debtor.
Remember all the happiness
That comes your way in living;
Forget each worry and distress,
Be hopeful and forgiving.
Remember good, remember truth,
Remember heaven's above you,
And you will find, through age and youth,
True joys and hearts to love you.
[1] Landmark Freedom Baptist, Personal Development For Young Men, 2016, pgs. 23, 67
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