So also the tongue is a small part of the body…behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity. James 3:5-6 NASB
All traffic stopped. A fire engine clamored through the intersection with horn blaring, lights flashing, and siren screaming. Firefighters hung onto the sides of the truck in heavy, heat resistant clothing. Someone’s carelessness had kindled a flame now raging out of control. Innocent people raced to the scene of devastation to save what could be salvaged, estimate the loss, and risk their own lives for another’s mistake.
Waiting for the intersection to clear, I recalled a time of becoming careless with my speech and participating in a chain of gossip. Our words had gotten out of control and the flame became a fire. Words like busybody, talebearer, and troublemaker seared my heart. I felt naked before God. Some relationships were salvaged but I suffered loss of friendship and trust. Like the firefighters racing by, innocent people were involved in putting out the fire that gossip ignited. In my emergency, I asked God to make me a firefighter instead of an arsonist. God healed my charred soul and restored me in forgiveness.
He can heal you too, if you ask Him in.
Prayer: Holy God, thank you for restoring what we carelessly burn.
**On this special day of remembrance, honor those who gave so much on September 11. Honor them with your words, good and kind. Honor them with your appreciation, immeasurable. And honor them by lifting them and their families before our Father in Heaven.
Aggi Stevenson is a freelance writer, recently winning multiple awards at the Upstate SC American Christian Writers Competition and the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Aggi leads women’s Bible studies, speaks to women’s groups and is currently writing her first novel. Aggi has created and directed a ministry for women and children, and a women’s fellowship at her church. She owns two businesses, one in Mt. Airy, NC and the other in Boonville, NC where she resides with her husband. She is wife of one, mother of three, and Nana of nine. Visit her at Writing, Speaking and Interior Decorating at www.aggiiam.wordpress.com. Her life motto is: I am standing because he is holding me up.
