Words have extraordinary power. They can build or destroy, heal or wound, and lead to life or death. What we say holds the potential to shape our reality, influence others, and align (or misalign) our lives with God’s purpose. In this message, “Tame That Tongue,” I, Apostle Emmanuel, want to speak to the heart of an issue that affects every believer: the power of our speech.
The tongue may be small, but it wields immense influence in both the spiritual and physical realms. The Bible teaches us to control our words, use them wisely, and align them with God’s truth to experience divine blessings. My prayer is that as you read this, the Holy Spirit will convict, encourage, and empower you to speak words of life and purpose.
The Power of the Tongue
The Bible is clear about the profound influence of the tongue. It can bring life or death, blessings or curses. Let us reflect on these foundational scriptures:
Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Your words determine the fruits you reap in life—whether they bring blessings or hardships.
James 3:6-8: The tongue is described as “a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” It has the power to defile the whole body and set the course of one’s life ablaze.
Isaiah 6:5-7: In his encounter with God, the prophet Isaiah exclaimed, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.” The angel purified his lips with a burning coal, signifying the importance of cleansing our speech for spiritual transformation.
These scriptures reveal the weight of responsibility we carry as stewards of our words. What we speak shapes our realities, influences others, and sets the course of our lives.
Common Pitfalls of Speech
Unfortunately, many believers fall into traps of careless or destructive speech, unaware of the consequences. Let me highlight some common pitfalls:
1. Self-Inflicted Troubles
Many unknowingly curse themselves through negative declarations. Phrases like “I can’t succeed,” “I am finished,” or “Nothing ever works out for me” invite defeat and negativity into their lives.
Beloved, do not underestimate the power of your words. Speak life over yourself, not defeat.
2. Slandering Others
Words spoken against others—whether leaders, family members, or fellow believers—carry spiritual consequences. Gossip, slander, and false testimony sow discord and disrupt relationships.
Ephesians 4:29 reminds us: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
3. Cultural Conditioning
In some cultures, negative expressions like “Not too bad” or “It could be worse” are commonly used, often without thought. While they may seem harmless, such phrases subtly erode a mindset of positivity and faith.
Beloved, let your words reflect a culture of the Kingdom—words that edify, uplift, and glorify God.
Practical Steps to Tame the Tongue
Taming the tongue requires intentionality, discipline, and reliance on God’s Word. Here are practical steps to help you control your speech:
1. Guard Your Words
Be intentional about what you say. Before speaking, ask yourself: “Is this aligned with God’s Word?”
Avoid careless or destructive language, even in moments of frustration or anger.
Proverbs 21:23 says, “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.”
2. Meditate on God’s Word
Fill your heart and mind with Scripture. When your thoughts are influenced by God’s Word, your speech will naturally follow.
Meditate on passages like Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to dwell on what is true, noble, right, and praiseworthy.
Joshua 1:8 reminds us: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night.”
3. Speak Life and Blessings
Replace negative phrases with affirmations rooted in faith. Instead of saying, “I can’t do it,” declare, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Speak God’s promises over your life, family, and circumstances. Declare victory, healing, and favor in every area of your life.
4. Repent and Renounce Negative Words
Seek God’s forgiveness for harmful words spoken in the past.
Through prayer and faith, cancel every negative word spoken over your life, declaring that it has no power over you.
Transformational Testimonies
The Bible and real-life examples remind us of the power of surrendering our speech to God:
A Purified Tongue: The story of Isaiah in Isaiah 6 illustrates that God can cleanse and transform our words. Just as the angel touched Isaiah’s lips with a burning coal, we must allow God to purify our speech for His purposes.
Reversed Curses: In ministry, I’ve seen countless testimonies of individuals who repented of negative declarations and began speaking life. Through faith and intentional words, they experienced breakthroughs in their health, relationships, and finances.
Beloved, your words have the power to change the trajectory of your life. Let God take control of your tongue and watch what He will do!
Aligning Your Words with God’s Purpose
The tongue is a tool that can either shape destinies or destroy them. To harness its power for good:
Speak Life: Declare God’s promises over yourself, your family, and your future.
Meditate on Scripture: Let God’s Word guide your speech, thoughts, and actions.
Avoid Gossip and Negativity: Refuse to use your tongue for destruction, and instead, let it bring healing and encouragement.
Repent and Renounce: Seek God’s forgiveness for careless words and align your speech with His truth.
Beloved, the tongue may be small, but its power is immense. James 3:5 reminds us:
“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” Let us not underestimate its ability to shape our lives and influence those around us.
Take control of your tongue by surrendering it to God. Use it to speak blessings, declare His promises, and build up yourself and others. As you do, you will witness divine transformation in your life and align yourself with God’s purposes.
May the Lord guide your speech, purify your words, and fill your mouth with declarations of faith and victory. Speak life, and let your words glorify Him! Amen.