Lutheran Church head Malasusa warns believers to use their tongues wisely

Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Alex Malasusa, has urged believers to use their tongues wisely, saying the small organ can bring gain or loss, promote or destroy peace, and earn a person honour or contempt. Dr Malasusa said that, when used well, the tongue could be a great blessing, noting that some people are respected because of how they use it. He was speaking on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the 17th General Assembly of Meru Diocese in Arumeru District, Arusha Region. He said that although the tongue is a small organ, its improper use could cause loss and disrupt peace. He likened it to a ship's rudder, explaining how a small object can determine the direction of something much larger. “The tongue is a very small organ and sometimes doesn't hurt, perhaps if someone gets an accident, but not something you can swallow a painkiller (pain medicine) for because it hurts,” he said. “The tongue is a small organ but one bringing gain; we can preach, and that is why we are here, but also at the same time it can bring loss and breach of peace; there are many people honoured in this world for no other reason than because they use their tongue well,” added Dr Malasusa. He reminded believers to use their mouths and tongues well, including strengthening unity within Meru Diocese. “This Sunday, we are reminded to use our mouths and tongues well. I am not sure whether I would say more if this were another diocese, but here I know that you have used your tongues well, even in coming to this assembly. There were no harsh words concerning the agendas we know about. You used them well, and where you may have erred, we thank Jesus because he gives us time to repent,” he explained. “Your tongue, my tongue is small, but it can rock a large ship or a marriage; it doesn't matter how many years it has, but if the tongue moves a bit it can rock it,” he added. “It can rock the good unity present within Meru Diocese; it is just a tongue, but it can heal, and the tongue has good work for one using it well to heal, and it can honour you or cause you to be despised,” he insisted. Head of ELCT Northern Diocese, Dr Fredrick Shoo, said the history of Meru Diocese showed how God's hand had guided the church and urged believers to remain hopeful as they prepare to elect a new bishop. “Looking back, we see how God's hand has been with you people of Meru Diocese, and we are filled with hope that this hand of the Lord will continue to be with you even this period when the Bishop's election will be held,” he said. “The word I would like to tell you and emphasise to you, as this matter has been spoken, let us leave it to God,” added Dr Shoo. Outgoing Meru Diocese Bishop, Dr Elias Nasari, thanked believers for praying for, supporting and encouraging him during his 10 years in office. “Thank you for supporting me, embracing me, and even where I failed the church and where I saw it was over, God told me the journey continues. I thank you very much for that period, and I cannot believe 10 years have passed since you elected me. Today is a very important day for the Diocese,” he said. “That is where we are going to humble ourselves under God's hand so that he can raise another leader who will carry this Diocese cooperating with him for another period that God will appoint,” added the Bishop.