… the tongue is a small fire, a world of unrighteousness.  The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. .. no human being can tame the tongue.  It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.  With it 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 must not be so.
James 3:6-10

The tongue.
It is a restless evil.
Full of deadly poison.

It’s incredibly discouraging just how words can bring such pain.
I’m always amazed how much love I can have in my heart …
yet my words spew forth like daggers.
Oh for shame.

Hurts surface and my defenses rise.
One offense is all it takes.
Then regret follows close behind.

Oh to find myself in His presence.
The place where forgiveness abounds.
The only place where peace reigns.
Without going there first … sin reigns.

May I find myself in the place that love abounds, forgiveness reigns
… and kind, loving words dominate.