James 3 - 5.21.26
S: James 3:9-12
“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. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
O: It is quite crazy, and slightly alarming, how easily we can live with and utilize something for most of our lives and so easily forget it’s depth of power. This passage from James 3 shakes us all awake to the power of our tongues & the impact of our words. We can praise the Lord then curse God’s beloved child with malicious words. We can exhort someone publicly, but then from the same mouth slander them privately. As the scripture says, “this should not be.”
Part of being representatives and disciples of Christ is understanding more the power that Christ has THROUGH each part of our design when we act in His will and rooted in His wisdom. A fig tree is meant to bear the fruit it was designed to bear, figs. Just as our mouths and tongues should bear righteous fruit as they were inherently designed to do, words flowing from the root system of wisdom and the purity of God’s love as talked about later in James 3. To acknowledge where our tongues have power to destroy, also helps us come into alignment with the realization of where our tongues have the power to build up and exhort others. Our words have power and we can strive to steward that part of our design for the bettering of the spaces we are in.
A: As I read this verse, it was easy to reflect, in shame, for the moments where my words have not been uplifting but rather have been the spark for a destructive wildfire. When this shame or guilt arises, I am encouraged by God’s grace and the gift we have of repentance. Through repentance we can see more clearly what God has for us going forward. When we actively turn from our actions and where we’ve fallen short, then turning TOWARDS truth and how to live more aligned to what God asks of us, we can take accountability for where we need to apologize for a misuse of our tongue and words. I encourage you to reflect and turn towards repentance in the areas where you have seen yourself use your words carelessly. We all need to do this and be encouraged knowing that in the process of learning to live a better steward of our tongues - God loves us and there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
Additionally, take the measure of accountability and ownership for where you have fallen short. Apologies and ownership are our responsibility when we have misused our tongue. When we do so, we are making more space for connection and learning as we aim to steward speech and its power well. Finally, seek to see the beloved in those around you. In verse 9 it names those we speak to as those in “God’s likeness.” Ask the Lord to reveal encouragement and give you a sightline that aligns with His will for His children around you. See how the Lord gives you a fresh wind when you open up your heart to receive His perspective! Then, go act on it! Go tell people what God sees in them and utilize your tongue for encouragement. One of my life scriptures is Hebrews 3:13: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Your encouragement and words have the power to soften people’s heart to God’s presence. How amazing!
P: Father, I love you and love the way YOU speak to ME. Thank you for your words that are like honey to my soul. Thank you for the direction you have created for my lifestyle that is covered in your grace and love. Thank you for your mercies that are new every morning - help me to live a life faithful to stewarding the power of the tongue well. I turn from the desire to do the opposite and ask for your help in taking accountability and apologizing to those I have hurt. I love you God, thank you for loving me first. Amen.
- Tess Schrupp
