April 9, 2024 - Matthew 12:36-37

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”  Matthew 12:36-37 NLT

Oh Lord, teach us to guard our tongues. Proverb 18:21 tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” It can be a scary thought to think about having to give an account for every idle word we have spoken on judgement day. How long will that even take? Lord, please help us get control over our tongues. We want all that we say to be pleasing to you. If we find ourselves in a situation, where we can find nothing glorifying to say, help us to just keep our mouths closed. Help us learn to control our tongues. We never want to allow gossip/slander, complaining/murmuring, negative criticism/destructive words, lies/exaggerations/false witness, manipulation/deceit, etc. to come out of our mouths, yet we can see evidence of them more than we like.

Lord, the tongue isn’t really where the issue is found. The tongue is the thermometer that can so often show where our hearts and mind truly are. It is just an outlet for our thoughts that come from what is rooted in our hearts. Lord, help us get our minds and hearts in alignment with your ways. Lord, help us uproot the thanklessness, the pride, the jealousy, and any other filth in our hearts that leads to us speaking words that don’t glorify you. When we use our tongues to tear down other people it comes from a jealous or prideful heart. If our tongues are found being ungrateful or complaining often, it can reflect a thankless heart. Lord, teach us how to be grateful in all things. Lord, help us examine our tongues, thoughts, and hearts. Help us get our heart into alignment with your ways, so that our tongues always bring glory to you. 

In Jesus name, amen.