Welcome to ‘Is Your Tongue for God?’ a heartwarming compilation of essays from young hearts. These innocent voices share their thoughts on using words for kindness, love, and faith. A testament to the power of language and the goodness in childhood, inspiring readers of all ages. BETTY AMUKPO puts forward their views.
‘Use words to bless not curse’
My tongue is for God, and always speaks truth and love. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). “Let your speech always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6). “Whoever desires to love life… keep his tongue from evil” (1 Peter 3:10). Use words to bless, not curse. Our tongue should praise God and build others up. “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). “Bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1). “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). A tongue for God speaks blessings, not harm. “With it we bless the Lord… and curse not” (James 3:9-10). “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). “Let no corrupt talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). “Offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). Speak words of hope and faith always.
• Ogoke Chimamanda Anthonia
‘My body, the tongue inclusive is the temple of the Holy Spirit’
Yes, my tongue is really for God and to praise God alone. The Psalmist in Psalm 51:17 states, ”Lord, you will open my lips; and my tongue will proclaim your praise.” This simply means that the words that comes out of my mouth should be used to glorify God and express faith. My tongue is for God because I will use the words that comes out of it to share the gospel of Christ, offer encouragement, or speak truth (Ephesian 4:29). Our tongues are our glory. You might ask why and how. The answer is because God gave each of us a tongue for one supreme purpose—to glorify Him. The only reason for a tongue is that with it you and I may glorify God. That is why our tongues become our glory. It is the member by which, above all others, we may glorify God. (Psalm 119:171-173) My body (the tongue inclusive) is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and so I must be very careful with what I do with my body and what I say with my mouth (1 Cor. 6:19).
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘I hope my words embody God’s love and bring positive things to those who listen’
I should use my speech to honour God, as words can either create or damage. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” As bearers of hope, we are encouraged to use our words to praise God, share the truth, and encourage others, rather than to gossip or inflict harm. Colossians 4:6 urges us, “Let your speech always be gracious.” I hope my words embody God’s love and bring positive things to those who listen.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘As children of God, we should mind how we talk to people’
My tongue is for God, and the Bible provides guidance on using our tongues for God’s glory. As children of God, we should mind how we talk and relate to people. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and Life are in the power of the tongue”, we should be careful of our speech. Ephesians 4:32 advises, “Be kind and compassionate to another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave us.”
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘The tongue is a powerful tool capable of both good and harm’
Yes, the Bible frequently discusses the tongue’s power and the importance of controlling it. Passages in James 3, Proverbs 21:23, and Matthew 12:36- 37 highlight how the tongue, though small, can have a significant impact, both positively and negatively. The question of whether the tongue is “for God” is a matter of faith and interpretation, particularly within religious contexts. Many faiths believe the tongue is a powerful tool, capable of both good and harm, and that its use should be guided by spiritual principles. Some faiths see the tongue as a means of praising God, speaking truth, and sharing His word. Others emphasise controlling the tongue to avoid harmful speech and gossip
‘How can we control the tongue?’
Controlling the tongue as a Christian involves aligning words with faith through intentional prayer, and a focus on edifying speech. It requires recognising the power of words, practicing self-control, and consistently seeking God’s guidance in communication.
• Ojimmadu Sandra
‘My goal is to bless others through my speech’
When I communicate with kindness, truth, and love, my words are dedicated to God, as emphasised in Ephesians 4:29. My goal is to bless others through my speech, showcasing God’s goodness, in alignment with James 3:9-10. By choosing to speak positively rather than negatively, I honour God and uplift those around me. Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that words have the power to create life or bring about death. I strive to use my words each day to glorify God and inspire others.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Our tongue is a gift from God
Let’s talk about using our words wisely! As Christians, we believe our tongue is a gift from God, and we should use it to speak kindly. The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). Let’s choose words that bring life and joy. A gentle answer deflects anger. No foul language should come out of your mouth; if any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God. By using our tongue for good, we show love and kindness to others, just like Jesus taught us. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sights. Let’s strive to use our words to spread love, kindness, and joy.
• Awaki Barnabas
‘Our tongues should be used to honour God’
Yes, our tongues should be used to honour God. The Bible teaches that our words carry power and should reflect God’s truth, love, and righteousness. James 3:9–10 states, “With the tongue, we praise our Lord and Father, and with it, we curse human beings… Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Ephesians 4:29 commands, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up… that it may benefit those who listen.” Therefore, a tongue surrendered to God glorifies Him and blesses others.
• Owuamanam Christabel
‘We ought to be careful of what we say with our tongues’
We ought to always be careful what we say or do with our tongue to attract God’s blessings rather than condemnation. This phrase “Is your tongue really for God?” refers to the Christian concept of using one’s speech for God’s purposes and glory. It is a call to be mindful of the words spoken, recognising their power to build up or tear down, and striving to use one’s tongue to express love, truth, and faith. This concept is rooted in biblical teachings about the tongue’s influence and the need for self-control and spiritual transformation. The passage in James 3:1-12, highlights the power of the tongue, comparing it to a small rudder that steers a large ship, or a small spark that can ignite a forest fire. It emphasises the tongue’s capacity for both good and evil. Proverbs 18:21 instructs, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse underscores the significant impact of words on one’s life and the lives of others.
• Okonofua Bryan
