The Book of James: Authentic Faith Is VisibleНамуна

Faith That Speaks

Having looked at the ways authentic faith acts, James now turns our attention to the way authentic faith speaks. In James 3:1, he urges us to recognise that influence magnifies accountability, and so we should think twice before grabbing a microphone. But James isn’t only writing to church leaders. Every follower of Jesus is called to speak truth, encouragement, correction, and blessing into the lives of others, whether or not we ever do it from a stage. Whoever falls under the sound of your voice, most days of the week, is impacted and influenced by your words.

James then reminds us that the way we speak is a measure of maturity, and that the tongue, though small, has enormous power to direct our lives – the way a bit directs a horse and a rudder steers a ship. But if the tongue has the power to direct, it also has the power to destroy. Social media and cancel culture have made this truth tragically evident in our world. We probably all wish we could unhear certain words because of the damage they’ve caused us.

James also points out that it’s immature and hypocritical of us to use our words to praise God and curse those made in His image. Our words reveal what’s going on inside of us. The problem with our destructive words isn’t our mouths; it’s our hearts. Thankfully, by instructing us to speak truthful, honourable, humble words, James indicates that it’s possible for our corrupt spiritual condition to be transformed. This radical, inside-out change is only possible through Jesus who never spoke a careless, hurtful word. His Spirit lives in us, renewing our hearts and redirecting our mouths. If there’s a particular area of your life you need to surrender to God’s changing grace, consider how doing so would affect the words you use, your tone of voice, or your conversations with certain people.

There are three kinds of words that mark authentic faith: words that bless, build, and bear truth. But it’s important to realise that what we say to others flows from what we say to ourselves. If we don’t learn to speak life and truth over ourselves, we’ll struggle to speak life and truth to others. So, maybe your first step towards speaking with integrity to others is to practise speaking with integrity to yourself. Speak grace over your weaknesses, instead of accusing and shaming yourself.

Take time today to think about what your words reveal about your faith in Jesus Christ. Are your conversations soaked in grace or sharpened by pride? Do you build or belittle? Do you bless or curse? Authentic faith is always visible, and one of the most obvious places it shows up is in our words.