James 3:6-12
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! [6] And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. [7] For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, [8] but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. [9] With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. [10] From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. [11] Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? [12] Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
Head: According to the passage, is the tongue's potential to do harm big or small?
Heart: How can you take your words more seriously so that you don't hurt others with it?
Hands: How will you use your words this week to build others up and praise God?
The Bible describes the tongue as a fire. The tongue is a dangerous weapon if not reigned in, speaking words that can destroy lives or devastate communities.
As Christians, we must be aware of the dangers of the tongue and must not be complacent in keeping control of our own words. If not, we'll be doing what the bible speaks against in verses 9-10. So proactively, with prayer and effort, we must bless the Lord and bless others with our words.
The good news is that with the power of the Holy Spirit, our words can be life-giving and uplifting. May we speak with the love of Christ and may we speak of Christ Himself, the biggest blessing to all.
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Devotional Guide:
1) Pray for understanding in your mind, for trust in your heart, and for powerful obedience in your daily living.
2) Read the passage and mark anything that blesses you, challenges you, or raises a question.
3) Reflect on the passage. What's God saying about Himself? What's God saying about you?
4) Pray in response to what God puts on your heart through the Word.