February 9, 2025 Recap

Have you ever been told, "this may sting a little."?  That's how I feel about the Book of James. Especially Chapter 3.   Yesterday we read verse by verse and discussed James 3:1-12.

James clearly teaches that true religion, or faith, can be recognized by its fruit.  There will be tangible evidence in the life of the one who loves Jesus.  A faithful life perseveres through trials, visits orphans and widows in their distress, does not show favoritism, and it also tames the tongue. 

The tongue directs the whole body and though it be small, can boast of great things.  It is like a fire and can set a blaze the course of our life.  Words can dramatically change the direction of events.  Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.  We all know that what we say has consequences for either good or evil.  Words have power and when we grasp the seriousness of our words, we then can begin to speak with purpose.

Another biblical truth of the tongue is that our words testify to the condition of our heart.  Therefore, justifying or condemning us.  What we think and what we believe sooner or later turns into what we say.  Words are an overflow of the heart, Luke 6:45  Therefore, the way we change what we say so that it reflects our faith and love for the LORD, is to change the attitude of our heart. My words are an outward expression of my thoughts and intentions.  James 3:9-10 says with the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.  

The number of times that I have gossiped, lied, boasted, been negative, judged, or degraded someone is countless.  My tongue can be full of deadly poison.  LORD, forgive me.  Help me to examine my heart  and repent before it spills out of my mouth.  Let me be like David and pray:

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.