Tame your tongues, Veep implores Malawians

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has asked Malawians to desist from using their tongues to gossip and destroy others in society.

Speaking in Lilongwe on Saturday at the 150th anniversary of the Scripture Union (SU), Chilima said irresponsible use of the tongue could break the nation.

He warned that those using the tongue to destroy others would answer before God.

Chilima said: “Let us watch our tongue. The same tongues we use to preach the word of God, we use to destroy others. The same tongue we use to sing praises and hallelujah to God, we use to sing hateful songs about others.

“The same tongue that we use to receive the Holy Communion, we use to gossip and kill other people’s careers. We shall answer to God. Remember God’s commandments are not a multiple choice. As disciples, we need to be disciplined and show true love.”

The VP said the anniversary presents the SU and its entire membership a rare opportunity to reflect on their contribution to the country’s Christian life.

He said it is encouraging that from such humble beginnings, the Union has expanded to a community of over 140 movements in over 130 countries.

“Here in Malawi, the union has helped to bring more people close to God through various projects, especially in schools. I know that for many people, it was their contact with the union at school or in Bible clubs or camps, which started their journey in their Christian faith.

“These camps and clubs are still going strong today with thousands of children and their teachers enjoying rallies to learn about the Bible and the Christian way of life. The emphasis here is that you are messengers of the word of life to children, young people and families.  You have been given much…and much will be required of you.  May your members, therefore, rise to the challenge!” he stressed.

SU Malawi national chairperson Roosevelt Gondwe complained that union is failing to reach out to many people because of lack of resources.

Gondwe, therefore, called upon government and the private sector to come to their aid.

Chilima assured the union of government’s commitment to work and assist it on technicalities that could help it reach out to schools requiring its religious services. n