My Tongue Matters to God

To study the letter of James is to learn much about the Christian life. Probing questions and penetrating illustrations are masterfully employed by James to draw the reader into the sobering and exciting call the gospel brings to the everyday life of a believer. None as practical as the Christian’s speech. 

James cared about the tongue. He knew, because he learned from his brother Jesus (Luke 6:45), the tongue is tied to the heart.

His theology of the tongue was simple: If my heart is right, my tongue will show it. If my heart is wrong, my tongue will show it.

Of course, James’ instruction on the tongue flowed from four realities: 

1. Holiness of God

2. Sinfulness of man

3. Redemption in Christ

4. Priority of cross-centered relationships

As sinners, we have been saved from the eternal wrath of an infinitely holy God. How? Only through the perfect life, atoning death, and victorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. And this all by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Now, reconciled and restored to God and one another, our lives, including and especially our tongues, are to be a fountain and reflection of the redemption we have graciously received. Sounds nice, right? But what does that mean, and how does that look?

In his outstanding article, Speaking Redemptively, Paul Tripp tells us. Using Galatians 5:16-6:2, Mr. Tripp draws ten implications with clear gospel focus and everyday relevance. I encourage you to take a few minutes this week and review the list below, then click here to read the full article. May God be glorified, and our Savior exalted as our speech increasingly reflects the redemption we have in Christ! 

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1. Speaking redemptively begins by recognizing the war within.

2. Speaking redemptively means never giving in to the desires of the sinful nature as we talk.

3. Speaking redemptively means refusing to speak in any way that is contrary to what the Spirit is seeking to produce in me and others.

4. Speaking redemptively involves a willingness to examine how the fruit of the sin nature is present in my talk.

5. Speaking redemptively means saying “no” to any rationalization, blame-shifting, or self-serving arguments that would excuse talk that is contrary to the work of the Spirit, or that would make this talk look appropriate or acceptable for a kingdom citizen.

6. Speaking redemptively means speaking “in step with the Spirit.”

7. Speaking redemptively means giving no place to the passions and desires of the sinful nature.

8. Speaking redemptively means having a restorative view of relationships.

9. Speaking redemptively means speaking with humility and gentleness.

10. Speaking redemptively means other-centered living and other-centered communication.