Daily Devotional
Steering Your Marriage with Your Words
“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. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”
James 3:2-6
February 26, 2024
Ponder This
Just as the horse is controlled by the bit and the ship is controlled by the rudder, your words give direction to your home. If you don’t like the way your marriage is headed, you’d better watch your words. Your words can bring your ship into a safe harbor, or it can put it on the rocks. Not only does James say the tongue brings direction, but he also says the tongue may bring destruction. Look back at verse 6. If you have a torch tongue, you can burn down your marriage. Fire is a wonderful servant, but it’s a poor master. Words can warm a heart or burn down a home. The tongue may bring destruction. The tongue may bring defilement. You can poison your marriage with your tongue. Our words matter: They can be so destructive if we let them go out of the control of God. Our words are formative: They can give direction to our families. This is why we are to trust God with even the small detail of words.
- When was the last time you said something that hurt someone else? What do you need to do considering today’s passage?
- What are some words of encouragement your family may need?
Practice This
Encourage and uplift members of your family today with a meaningful text, note, or conversation.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
