James Part 6: The Power of Our Words

James Part 6: The Power of Our Words

Read James 3:1-12

Watch “James 3:1-12” by Francis Chan on Rightnow Media.

This passage is full of word pictures and metaphors to help us grasp the destructive, polluting potential of our careless words.

Which metaphor do you find most resonates with your experience?

James says, “We all stumble in many ways”.

Do you find it easier to remember where other people have got this wrong with you, or when you have gotten this wrong with others?

How have you seen harmful words come ‘out-of-the-blue’ from people who otherwise seem to have it together? How does this affect your view of that person?

Proverbs 26:9 says “Like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand is a proverb in the mouth of a fool.” Sometimes even a word of wisdom delivered insensitively or at the wrong time can be painful or harmful.

Do you have a story of someone saying the right thing at the wrong time or in the wrong way?

How can we improve our chances of giving a helpful answer or suggestion to someone?

Luke 6:45 says “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

For you, what is that tends to slip out when you are frustrated or feeling vulnerable?

What might this be showing you is in your heart that needs to be dealt with (grieved, re-negotiated or processed some way)?

Conclude with prayer: Pray for the things that are our hearts that we need to deal with, and for wisdom to guide the things that we choose to say or not say.