BellaOnline Forums Family Christian Living Bible Study -- James Chapter 3

This chapter is an interesting one and very straight forward.

What do you think? <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

This is a great chapter for me. I have a struggle with my tongue. Like it says the tongue is very small but it can do so much damage. It hurts other people but it also hurts ourselves.

It takes a lot of effort for me not to let the four letter words fly. This is my favorite verse But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

I have come a long way with my tongue but I still have a ways to go.

Again I see a challenge towards mercy and forgiveness. I see James going a little farther though, and showing examples of HOW to conquer unforgiveness. By taking control of the way we present ourselves to the world. Have we ever paid much attention to the things we actually agree with when in a group of our friends? Sometimes it's like we JUST want to be accepted and go with the flow so everyone likes us, that we don't pay alot of attention to the things that are coming out of our mouths, and the words of others slip by without being challenged according to the Word of God.
If we're His ambassadors on earth, then we are to represent Him in our lives everyday. It is the "salt water and fresh water" reference that caught my eye. We can't stand for God and stand for the world..."we will either love one and hate the other or hate one and love the other...."

Verses 17 and 18 sum it up. Here James lists the things he has been refering to that should be EVIDENT in our lives everyday....which ones are we overlooking? purity, peace-loving, comsiderate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial, and sincere... these are the works that are evident of our walk with Christ.

Back from vacation and husband is much better! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The first part of this chapter brings home to me how much damage we can do without thinking. One word, that we may forget, can hurt and have long lasting effects.

Likewise, a word that is thought out can build someone up and do so much good. It can show Jesus' love to someone who needs it.

Verse 9 got my attention today. "We praise our Lord and Father" - a good thing
and "we curse men" - "who have been made in God's likeness" With our differences in beliefs and opinions, we forget that very important thing. Even those who reject Christ and do their best to thwart His cause, were made in God's image. Yes, we are called to speak the truth to them but to do it 'in love.'

Verse 13-16 - I think we have to always keep track of our motives. Ambition and envy can sneak in and cause harsh or self-serving words to fly right out of our mouths! I know that I have to remind myself to be "slow to speak" so that I have time to judge what is considerate, full of mercy and peace-loving.

Welcome back Lynne! I am glad that you had a great vacation and that your husband is doing well.

Thank you Cindy.