James 3:2
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
*What you say and what you don’t say are both important. Proper speech is not only saying the right words at the right moment but it is also controlling your desire to say what we shouldn’t. Before you speak ask “Is what I want to say true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?” *
This goes along with James 1:19 and 1:26.
I feel that our mouths get us into a whole heap of rotten mess. Over and over again,Satan uses his power to take over us through our mouths. A small statement, not necessarily intended to hurt is all Satan needs to spark a huge fire. Like a small brush fire that turns into a devastating forest fire. It only takes one little spark and some wind.
If we are trying to show the love of Christ to others how can we do that with a mouth full of gossip, hate, anger, judgment etc..?
James 3:6
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
*Before you speak, ask, remember that words are like fire- you can neither control nor reverse the damage.
I have gotten caught up in situations and said things I should not have said. Spread gossip. I have watched my words be twisted and turned into something more then I inteneded. I am human. I have also been the victim of severe gossip and slander.
I make a great effort every day, to work on not falling into to the gossip trap. To say I am never going to be a part of gossip again would be a bold face lie. Every time I talk about a celebrity or question a decision the Chicago Bears or Cubs coaching staff make is a slip up. I admit, I like to occasionally read a people magazine. Lol. That is a feeder into gossip isn’t it?
It’s going to happen. Again, I am HUMAN.
Acknowledging it. Catching myself and stopping it , is what I intend to do. Being more aware of Satan waiting for me to slip up to feed that fire, is what I intend to do.
Tonight, I will pray for God to forgive me for the gossip, putting others down, bragging, manipulation, false teaching, exaggeration, complaining, flattering and lying of my past. I will ask him to help guard my tongue in the future and use use words that will be a testimony of his love.
I know that I am going to be tested on this. Probably, more then ever but with James 1:19 on my heart I will do it.
James 3:9
With the tongue we praise our Lord and father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.
* God works to change us from the inside out. When the holy spirit purifies a heart,he gives self-control so that the person will speak words that please God*
I would rather spend my time praising God then spewing hate of those who are made in likeness. I would rather sit in silence with nothing to say, then talk negative just to avoid the silence.
James 3:10
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
I am pretty certain a lot of people can take something from this video. I know I did.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive ,full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
*True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a persons character. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seed of peace. *
I do not have much to add to the *bible notes*. My words show my character. They are a reflection of me and our God. Everyone is a child of God. As the mother of three beautiful children, I should speak to and of everyone, as I would of my own children.
That will hard. I will not deny that. Impossible? No.Nothing is impossible with my fathers love.
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