Jesus brother James wrote about taming the tongue. “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.”

If written today the verse could include taming the text. Before texting, talking, or responding in any other manner take a moment and see if you have peace. We need to listen to God’s voice prompting us to do or not do certain things. That gnawing in the pit of your stomach is telling you “no” or “maybe now is not the time.”

If you are at peace and reply, there still isn’t any guarantee it will be well received. Just because you have peace doesn’t mean the receiver does. But, peace can plant a seed and God can make it grow.

Actions prompted out of peace means never having to say you’re sorry.

• taming the tounge