Sins of the tongue

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Eph. 4:23).

Here we find one of the essential marks of healthy churches and relationships. The mark is Christians with Spirit controlled tongues that are used by God to build up and minister grace into each others lives. One of the greatest forces for division and destruction in churches is a Christian (so called) whose tongue is controlled by the flesh and not the Spirit. In Proverbs we read, "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren" (Proverbs 6:16-19). Notice that among the seven things that God hates in this passage sins of the tongue are listed twice. The seventh thing which reads, "And he that soweth discord among the brethen" is an "abomination" unto the Lord. And how are seeds of discord sown? They're sown by people whose tongues are controlled by the flesh and not the Spirit.

Sins of the tongue like lies and gossip that lead to division are an abomination unto God because of how they destroy relationships. And when it involves Christians it not only hurts relationships but brings reproach to the name of Christ. Christians are supposed to be known for love and unity not dissension and disunity. One of the reasons why sins of the tongue are so deadly to relationships is because its easier for us to justify them in are own hearts than sins like adultery. I've never met a Christian that has committed adultery and tried to justify it and excuse it. But sins of the tongue are rationalized and justified all day long by Christians. And it's hurting the church more so than the sins that we are often more scandalized by like sexual immorality or drug addiction. When was the last time you heard of a crack addict causing a church split? But we all know of churches that have been severely damaged by sins of the tongue. And yet we think that we are great Christians because we don't smoke, drink and use profanity.

If you’re engaging in gossip, slander, and talking about someone rather than talking to them your Christianity stinks to God. Thankfully, if we are struggling with sins of the tongue we can go to God for forgiveness and help (1 John 1:9). Is God using your tongue for good or is the devil using it for evil? Check your heart.