For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.
james 3:2
The ability to communicate to others without instigating them into unbelief and sin is the height of Christian maturity. Jesus never says [or does] anything that will influence God’s children to distrust and disobey Him. This is how Christ reveals God's character and His oneness with God the Father:
Now I am no longer in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to You. Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
john 17:11-12
Jesus reveals through His prayer that God's greatest desire is that those who come to Him through Christ remain with Him forever. Words or actions that cause God's children to trip and stumble into disobedience wound the heart of God. When God’s little ones — His least stable and secure believers — are caused to stumble, God’s wrath is provoked. These believers are in a sense, the weakest, and as a result, require extra care and support. God expects us to provide care and support to them by practicing harmless speech.
Harmless Speech and Suffering
Complete Christian maturity is developed through suffering experienced in difficult circumstances, troubles, and tests of character. This is how Jesus perfected and set Himself apart. The Bible says:
"Although [Jesus] was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Jesus chooses for His followers the difficult circumstances, troubles, and tests of character they need to achieve complete Christian maturity. Therefore, we are encouraged to regard our difficulties as full of joy. We are to remember that faith tested produces patience, which eventually results in harmless speech.
Call to Action
Make a wholehearted effort to "keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech" (Proverbs 34:14 HCSB). Believe the God will bless you with His wisdom as you pursue harmless speech (Job 28:28).
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
