“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.” – James 3:9-10
The book of James is one of the more practical books of the New Testament. Filled with small bits of wisdom, this book offers significant and practical ways to live out our faith. The book of James is much like the book of Proverbs. It offers real-world teaching on ways to live out our daily lives; ways that positively reflect our faith.
There are few things more tangible to the practical living of our faith than how we speak to one another. James was aware of this and dedicates more of his writing to how we speak than just about any other subject. In the first chapter, James makes it clear that people of faith should be, “Quick to listen and slow to speak.” (James 1:19) James makes it clear that when we listen intently and speak lovingly, we live out the righteousness of God.
Our words are powerful. You may not think your words make a difference, but they have the ability to bring joy or pain to those who read them. Your words can bring peace or disturbance to those who hear them as you speak.
James offers sound advice on how to love one another. We are to see to it that our words are kind, reflecting the love of God. What could you say today to bless others? How will you lift the spirits of those around you with kind and joyful words? We are called to share God’s love with the world. It starts with how we speak to one another.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
