“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who have been made in God’s likeness.” This verse from James 3:9 gives us a simple but serious reminder: our words matter.
Think about it. We can go to church, sing songs to God, pray beautiful prayers, and say, “Lord, I love You.” But then later, we may use that same mouth to tear someone down, gossip about them, insult them, or speak harshly in anger. James is saying, “That should not be.”
God made every person in His image. That means people are not just problems to deal with, enemies to defeat, or names to complain about. They are human beings with value because God made them. Even when someone is difficult, rude, or wrong, they still carry the dignity of being created by God.
That does not mean we ignore sin, pretend hurtful behavior is okay, or never speak the truth. But it does mean we should speak the truth in a way that honors God. Our words should not be weapons we use to crush people. They should be tools God can use to bring correction, healing, encouragement, and peace.
The tongue is small, but it can do big damage. A careless comment can wound someone for years. A harsh word can start an argument. Gossip can ruin trust. But the opposite is also true. A kind word can lift a heavy heart. An apology can begin healing. A prayer can bring comfort. Encouragement can give someone strength to keep going.
So before we speak, it helps to pause and ask: “Will these words bless or break? Will they honor God? Will they treat this person like someone made in God’s image?”
None of us can fully tame the tongue on our own. We need God’s help. We need His grace when we fail, His wisdom before we speak, and His love to shape what comes out of our mouths. A changed heart should lead to changed speech.
Today, let’s ask God to help us be consistent. If we bless Him with our lips, let’s also honor the people He created. Let our words reflect our faith, not our frustration. Let our mouths be used for praise, truth, kindness, and life.
Prayer: Lord, help me use my words wisely. Forgive me for the times I have praised You and then spoken harshly about others. Teach me to see people the way You see them. Let my tongue bring blessing, not harm. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green I June 2026