A GIFT AND A FRUIT

It is said that, the tongue is tiny and without bones, yet it has the potential and the power to start big fires, and bring about great destruction. Such is the power of the boneless tiny tongue.

Recently I came across these wonderful words in tongue – “Speaking in tongues is the gift of the Spirit. Controlling our tongues is the fruit of the Spirit.” What an insight! 

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth says – “4 There are diversities of GIFTS, but the same Spirit…. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…. 10…to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4, 7, 10.

James the apostle, has these profound words about the human tongue – “26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless…” “5…the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” “8…no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.” – James 1:26; 3:5,8-9

The GIFT that the Spirit of God gives is at His discretion. We have no role to play in getting it. The Spirit of God gives to those whom He thinks it appropriate for the benefit and the blessing of the kingdom.

FRUIT of the Sprit, is something we bear, after a process of nurture and cultivation…simply put… hard work, time and effort. The fruit indicates the tree that we are. Further on in the same chapter, James says, “12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” – James 3:12

May the LORD help us to hold our tongue in control. May the LORD help us to bear the fruit of the Spirit. We truly reflect our LORD and our Redeemer in all our words that we speak. Even so the LORD help us.