James 3:5-6  So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

Stories abound of forest fires destroying thousands of acres. Investigation often finds the cause to be a spark from a campfire or a cigarette. James knew of great blazes coming from small fires. He knew how similar our tiny tongue is in causing raging havoc for our neighbor. Have you started any such "fires"? Have you said untrue things about others? Have you said true things about others with intent to harm? Take some time to reflect, to repent, and then to rejoice in God's forgiveness.

Now start some good fires! Firefighters sometimes use fire in a controlled burn to eliminate fuel from the approaching flames. This creates a barrier to further damage. Our tongues can prevent further damage when the latest rumor reaches our ears. "I don't think we should be spreading this around." Our tongues can prevent further damage by a positive word. "Well, I don't know about that, but..." and then say something good about the person. Our tongues can prevent further damage by following that Golden Rule of Jesus. "How would we like it if such things were said about us?"

Speaking of Jesus, we can learn from Him. "He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth" (1 Peter 2:22). Speaking of Jesus, His tongue was silent before His accusers so He could win forgiveness for the sins of our tongues (Mark 14:61). He forgives the destructive fires our tongues start. He moves us to "speak well" and start good fires.
--
 

Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,