taming the tongue.

To myself and whom ever also needs this reminder.

James writes "My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you." He says GET RID OF ALL moral filth. What is the moral filth in my life? What do I need to get rid of in my life? What things/thoughts do I need to change in my life?

He also writes do not listen to the word and not do what it says, you are deceiving yourself. You would be like a man who looks in the mirror and immediately forgets what he looks like. Am I forgetting what I look like? Forgetting who I am in Christ? Am I forgetting all of the wonderful things that I have been blessed with? Am I forgetting to worship God in each and every thing that I am doing? Is my forgetting myself causing others to stumble?

He also writes about our speaking. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father and with that same tongue we curse man, my brothers, THIS should not be. Can't do both. Instead of love and patience, am I being negative and speaking negative about my fellow brothers and sisters?

Oh my stars. It's time to get it together. NO ONE IS PERFECT, especially me. I understand that. I also know that the ONE who was perfect showed constant, unfailing, unchanging, patient love. Jesus says it simply as one of the greatest commandments of all. Love your neighbor as yourself. The words are simple. The action? Not so much. My new daily goal (to go along with my word of the year): I WILL LOVE MY NEIGHBOR AS MYSELF. Everyday, love. Every situation, love. Every person, love. Every moment, show the love that Jesus has so graciously shown me.

Love!