The Tongue

Jul 19, 2026 • Pastor Dale Oquist

What do your words reveal about your heart?

Continuing our series, Small Things Make a Big Difference, Pastor Dale Oquist walks through James 3 and the incredible power of the tongue. Though it is small, our words can shape relationships, destroy trust, stir conflict, bring healing, and point people toward Jesus.

Scripture teaches that genuine faith is demonstrated not only by what we believe, but also by what we say and what we choose not to say. Our words are never random. They reveal what has been cultivated within our hearts.

The tongue has the power of life and death. The question is, how are we using it?

This message explores:

Why spiritual maturity is revealed through our words

How the tongue can build up or destroy

Why our speech reveals the condition of our heart

The responsibility we carry for the words we speak

How careless words create lasting consequences

Why listening is essential in meaningful conversations

The importance of pausing before reacting

How to think before speaking and avoid unnecessary regret

📖 Scripture: James 3:1-12, James 1:19-22, Proverbs 18:21, Proverbs 21:23, Matthew 12:33-37, Isaiah 6:1-7

📍 Peoples Church