The Power of the Tongue: Blessing God or Hurting Others?
At Lakeview Christian Church, our mission is to “Be the Change as Jesus has changed us.” We believe that real change happens not just in what we do, but in how we speak. The words that come from our mouths are powerful—they can build up or tear down, bless or curse, encourage or wound.
James, the brother of Jesus, puts it plainly:
“With it [the tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
(James 3:9-10, ESV)
It’s easy to praise God with our lips on Sunday, yet speak harshly or carelessly to others on Monday. But James says this is a contradiction—one that reveals a deeper issue in the heart.
Fresh Water or Salt Water? What’s Flowing from Your Heart?
James uses three vivid illustrations to challenge us:
- A Spring:“Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?” (James 3:11, ESV)
The answer is no! A spring is either fresh or salty—it cannot be both. In the same way, our words should consistently reflect the new life Jesus brings. - A Fig Tree and a Grapevine:“Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.” (James 3:12, ESV)
The fruit on the outside reveals the nature of the tree within. Our speech is the fruit of our inner life. If anger, gossip, or negativity are pouring out, it’s a sign of what’s filling our hearts.
Jesus himself said,
“For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34, ESV)
More Than Communication Skills: Becoming Like Jesus
The solution isn’t just to learn better communication or to filter our words. James calls us to something deeper: to become more like Jesus. When our hearts are truly transformed by Christ, our words naturally begin to change.
Paul writes,
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6, ESV)
At Lakeview Christian Church, we believe this transformation happens as we live out our discipleship model: “Just 3”—Study, Share, Serve.
“Just 3”—Practical Steps to Speak Life
- Study:
We dig into God’s Word so that our hearts and minds are filled with truth, not bitterness or pride. The more we study, the more our words echo His wisdom. - Share:
We let our changed hearts overflow into our relationships. Instead of tearing down, we build up. Instead of gossiping, we encourage. We share stories of God’s work in our lives. - Serve:
We put love into action—not just with our hands, but with our mouths. We become known as people who speak peace, hope, and kindness wherever we go.
Check Your Source: What Are You Pouring In?
James’ warning is clear: If you’re pouring in anger, envy, or negative influences, those things will eventually spill out—especially when life “bumps” you. But if you’re pouring in God’s Word, prayer, worship, and the love of Christ, your words will become a blessing to those around you.
Ask yourself:
- Are my words fresh or salty?
- Do my words match the faith I profess?
Be the Change—Let Your Words Reflect Jesus
At Lakeview Christian Church, we know that transformation is possible. Jesus changes hearts—and changed hearts produce different words.
“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, ESV)
Let’s be the change by letting every conversation point to the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. As you live out “Just 3”—Study, Share, Serve—let your words reveal a heart transformed by Christ.
