Mastering Your Speech and Temper for a Christ-Like Life

Controlling the tongue and subduing a hasty temper are essential for a consistent Christian life, as these actions reflect a heart under the guidance of the Holy SpiritMYP 136.1+1. True religion is evidenced by the ability to bridle the tongue; without this discipline, a person's religious claims are vain James 1:265LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, par. 17+1.

The Power of the Tongue

The tongue is a small member, but it carries the power of life and death Proverbs 18:215LtMs, Lt 64, 1888, par. 17+1. It can act as a consuming fire when used improperly, or it can be a source of health and healing when used with wisdom Proverbs 12:184T 139.1+1. Because our words are recorded in heaven and will be used to either justify or condemn us in the judgment, we must strive to guard the door of our lips Matthew 12:36-37RH February 16, 1897, par. 10+1.

Subduing Anger and Temper

• The Example of Christ: Jesus is our perfect pattern; even when He was reviled, taunted, and ridiculed, He never sinned with His lips or retorted angrily 1 Peter 2:22-237BC 936.8+1.

• The Strength of Silence: There is wonderful power in silence; when met with angry words, silence often causes the fury to die away quicklyMYP 135.3+1.

• Soft Answers: Using a "soft answer" is a divine strategy to turn away wrath and preserve peace in difficult situations Proverbs 15:12MCP 520.4+1.

• The Fruit of Anger: Outbursts of wrath weaken the moral powers and the nervous system, making it harder to resist provocation in the future2MCP 519.4+1.

The Divine Remedy for Self-Control

In your own human strength, you cannot tame the unruly tongue or rule your spiritMYP 136.1+2. However, through the grace of Jesus Christ, you can bring every thought and word into subjection to the will of GodMYP 136.1+1.

• Heart Reformation: God tames the tongue by first cleansing and purifying the heart, which is the fountain of our wordsVSS 48.1+1.

• Cooperation with the Spirit: You must actively cooperate with the Holy Spirit to train your thoughts and discipline your emotions2MCP 656.3+1.

• Prayer and Watchfulness: By talking less and praying more, you can gain the strength needed to refrain from blunt expressions, criticism, and surmisings of evil15MR 183.2+1.

Living a Life of Blessing

Those who wish to love life and see good days are called to refrain their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking guile 1 Peter 3:10PC 53.4+1. Instead of rendering evil for evil or railing for railing, you are called to be a blessing to those around you 1 Peter 3:8-9PC 53.4+1. Cultivating a well-regulated temper and Christian politeness will not only bring peace and contentment to your own soul but will also exert a saving influence on your family and your communityFE 464.2+2. By subduing a wayward will and choosing words of grace, you reflect the character of Christ and prepare for the higher life in the kingdom of heaven20MR 154.1+2.