Proverbs 11:1-13:25
Proverbs 13:3, "Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything."
By definition, filters are designed to control. They regulate the impurities allowed in our water and the gas in our cars. They control the amount of light allowed in a camera lens, just to name a few uses. But just as they can work wonders, they can also fail. The coffee has unwanted texture, the car doesn't run as smoothly, or the subject in a picture is washed out because filters failed to control what they were supposed to. But there's another kind of filter that can't be found in any physical device that can also work wonders but has a much higher probability for failure - our heart that's meant to regulate the tongue.
The Bible warns us many times that the tongue wields immense power. It can build up and tear down, cause wars and bring peace depending on the filter we use for our words. We see this happening daily when, in frustration or hurriedness, people speak first and think later. The impact is misunderstandings, damaged relationships, or worse.
We could argue that this unseen filter of the tongue is the most valuable. It can help us to choose words wisely as we speak the truth in love and know when to communicate or listen instead. But the only way to truly secure this filter effectively is when we surrender our filter to God. Only when we give Him control of our lives can we truly have control of our tongues. It's then that a heart that is overflowing with God's love will be reflected in our words.
Heavenly Father, I need Your help. Take control of my life and let Your love fill my heart to overflow. Let my words be truthful and filtered with love. Help me to listen more and reflect You in my life. Amen.