I’m reading through the Gospel of John right now. I’m previewing it before I start the nine-month study of the book in BSF. Every time I read and reread the Bible new passages stand out to me. I notice verses that I apparently just glanced over now previously. There were two of those for me this past week.

The first was Jesus’ words to the Pharisees in John 8:26:
“I have much to say about you and much to condemn, but I won’t. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.”

That verse caught my eye because in Hebrews 4:15, we’re told that Jesus faced the same temptations that we do. I’ve struggled with that thought. I wonder, did Jesus really struggle with food as so many of us women do? Was he tempted by drugs or alcohol? But the John verse confirmed for me that Jesus did face the temptation of condemning people with his tongue. He could have spoken judgment and hostility. He controlled his speech though, only speaking the words God gave him. As always, Jesus is our example, this time showing us how to control our speech and how to treat those who treat us poorly. I have a long way to go in living up to his example.

The second verse that jumped out at me recently was John 11:51:
“This prophecy that Jesus should die for the entire nation came from Caiaphas in his position as high priest. He didn’t think of it himself; he was inspired to say it.” (NLT-1986 (not updated version))

This verse caught my eye because the words that Caiaphas spoke also were from God. Just goes to show us that God truly can use anyone for his purposes — even the man that would be largely responsible for Jesus’ death. Not only use him but also give him words to speak.

As I continue to work on controlling my speech, I guess the real lesson is how do I let God control my tongue instead. How can I be more open to him speaking (or not speaking) through me? By yielding to the Holy Spirit. By thinking before speaking. By being quiet when my words might be critical or discouraging.

Ephesians 4:29: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”