James 3: 3-4

Hi everyone :)

Reading these verses really made me think about how much of an impact our speech can make on ourselves and others. It can change the way others think about us, and over time it can also change ourselves. If we are spreading gossip, arguing for the sake of arguing, putting other people in their places, or just talking negatively in general, we are misusing God's blessing of speech He gave us. God gave us the ability to speak so we could praise Him and spread the message of His love, not to use it for another way to sin against Him. If you think about it, it's kind of sad that the sinful things we say come out of the same place as the praises we lift up to God.

When we speak sinfully around others, it influences them, just like we are sometimes influenced when people around us do the same. It's always easier to speak badly about someone when those around you start it off first. I know that once I get started talking about something or someone in a negative way, and it's accepted by those around me, that I will do it more and more until someone stops me. Thankfully, I have a roommate who does just that. Even though I get frustrated that I can't get my feelings out like I feel I deserve to at the time, I am very thankful for it afterwards when I am a little more calm.

In Caitlin's post a few days ago, she posted a list of when to pray when you want to do other things instead, and the thing that really struck me was BE HUMBLE. I loved that. I know that my reasons for speaking negatively is from being selfish. I'm praying this week to have a humble heart.

Well the internet at my house is temporarily down and I'm at Panera writing this, and I have to go pick up my brother! Praying for you all this week to have a God pleasing tongue! :) And also, thank you for your prayers! EFE was an amazing experience and I absolutely loved it. Everything went wonderfully. :) Bless you all!