Open Heaven: May 22, 2025 – Taming the Tongue
Today’s Open Heaven delves into the immense power and responsibility we wield through our tongues. James 3:5-6, the scripture basis for this devotional, paints a stark picture: “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.”
The devotional emphasizes that the tongue, though small, can create enormous damage. Like a small spark igniting a raging wildfire, careless words can destroy reputations, fracture relationships, and sow discord. It highlights the paradox that the same instrument used to praise God and encourage others can also be weaponized to inflict pain and spread negativity.
The key takeaway is the critical need for self-control. The devotional calls upon believers to actively guard their speech, consciously choosing words that build up rather than tear down. This isn’t just about avoiding outright lies or insults, but also about abstaining from gossip, backbiting, and cynical remarks. A truly tamed tongue is one that is used intentionally to speak life, hope, and encouragement into the lives of others.
One powerful point made is the connection between the tongue and the spiritual realm. The scripture points out that the tongue can be “set on fire of hell.” This means that uncontrolled speech can be influenced by demonic forces, leading to destructive outcomes. Conversely, a tongue consecrated to God can be a powerful instrument for blessing and advancing His kingdom. Speaking words of faith, prayer, and praise releases spiritual power and can bring about positive change.
The devotional doesn’t offer a quick fix, but rather a continuous process of self-examination and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It encourages readers to ask themselves before speaking: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Will it build up? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then silence is the best option. It underscores the importance of praying for God’s help in controlling the tongue and filling our hearts with love and compassion.
Ultimately, the message of today’s Open Heaven is a call to responsible and intentional communication. By consciously choosing our words and surrendering our tongues to God’s control, we can transform them from instruments of destruction into powerful tools for building up His kingdom and blessing the world around us. It’s a reminder that our words have power, and we have a responsibility to use that power wisely and for good.
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