James 3:5 (NIV) "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

Have you caught yourself blurting things from your mouth, only to regret what you said, realising too late the damage your words have done? In the heat of the moment we tend, too often, to speak without realizing the power our words carry. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]." In fact, the Bible tells us how this little member of our body has the power to steer our whole body - as a bit guides a horse, or a rudder steers a boat. So how do we gain control over our tongues so they can steer our lives in the right direction, bringing life and not death to us and others? Well, without the Holy Spirit - it's simply not possible. The tongue cannot be tamed by any influence of man. Only a life that is saved by the redeeming grace of Jesus and controlled by His Holy Spirit can do this. In the Amplified version, 2 Corinthians 5:18 says that through salvation, Jesus has given us the ministry of reconciliation - where by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him. Once our spirits are saved, and we constantly renew our minds to the truth of God's Word, and choose to submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit - our tongues will come into submission to what our minds and hearts are full of! Since it's the Word of God, which is life and peace, our words will continuously work towards His cause, bringing others into harmony with Himself! So keep your heart and mind full of God's Word and power; and your tongue will spark the right kind of fire in the lives of those around you!