Lesson 90

How Can Taming My Tongue Encourage My Husband?

Our tongues, mouth, and lips can be used for good or for evil. We use them to eat so that we can sustain life. We also use our lips to express passion as we kiss our spouses. However, we also use our lips, mouth, and tongue to form words and phrases that can be edifying or terrifying.

Taming her tongue was definitely something Danielle had to work hard at, especially where her marriage was concerned. “As I dealt with the pain of my husband’s betrayal, I often found myself bringing up what he had done and how badly it hurt me. God has spoken to me about that even quite recently, reminding me that He does not continue to remind the repentant sinner of their past mistakes. It is Satan who is the accuser. When I truly realized that I was allying myself with him when I said the things I did, I was quite horrified! Remembering that has really helped me hold my tongue!”

Pondering those thoughts, she went on: “One strategy that I have been using is to simply stop and think before I speak and to ask myself what my motive would be for saying whatever it is I’m about to say. I also remind myself constantly of Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Is what I’m about to say compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient? Is it loving?”