Lessons From JamesSample

DEVOTIONAL

Have you ever been tempted during an argument to say something spiteful to get one up on the other person? Or what about how easy is it to say nice things to a person’s face and then go and gossip about them behind their back? Sometimes we don’t realize the power our words have, or we intentionally use what we say to tear others down.

It can be tempting to use our words as weapons, but from this chapter of James we learn that we should act differently. James challenges every reader when he writes that many of us praise God in one breath, but speak unkindly of others in the next (v. 9). In this chapter, James uses imagery and metaphors to show just how powerful our words can be. One picture he uses is how a fire, though starting off small, can have the power to destroy a forest (v. 5). How often do we think about the impact one unkind word can have on those around us, how damaging they could be, or how they could stay with someone for years to come?

As people who know better, we should use our words to build others up, praise God and spread love. Our words have power and it’s up to us to use them for good.

QUESTIONS

• Q: Can you think of places in your life where you struggle to say kind things?
• Q: Where in your life can you use your words to make a positive impact on people?

PRAYER

Dear God, I thank You that You have given me the power to speak. I pray that I can use that power to worship you and love others. Help me to do this - especially when it’s hard.

Amen