A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

THE TONGUE IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD  

Matthew 5:22 “. . . anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.” 

In today’s devotional verse Jesus continued addressing how a Christian will speak to and/or about a fellow Christian or another person. James wrote about the power of the tongue which is recorded in James 3:3-6, “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 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. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” St. Paul wrote, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)  

“Our tongues possess great power. With our words, we can bring either death or life. (Today’s devotional verse) emphasizes the impact our speech has on ourselves and others. It reminds us to be mindful of the words we choose, for they have the potential to shape our experiences and relationships.” (Scripture Savvy.com) 

Jesus says in yesterday’s and again in today’s devotional verses His disciples, followers, and believers speak words that build up, encourage, share the Good News of God’s love for sinners, speak good words that are like good fruit from a good tree. The words you say bear the message you deliver. God bless you with words that are kind, loving and caring for those to whom you speak them. 

Prayer: O Lord, put into my heart and onto my lips good words that build up, encourage, and point people to you, Dear Jesus. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise,  
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace! 

My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,   
To spread through all the earth abroad, The honors of Thy name. 

Jesus! The name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease  
“Tis music in the sinner’s ears, “Tis life and health and peace. 

He breaks the pow’r of canceled sin; He sets the pris’ner free.  
His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me. 

Look unto Him, ye nations; own your God, ye fallen race.  
Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace. 

See all your sins on Jesus laid; The Lamb of God was slain.  
His soul was once an off’ring made For ev’ry soul of man. 

To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever giv’n  
By saints below and saints above, The Church in earth and heav’n.  (LSB 528)