1.3 – What does the church need most from James today?

[Amanda]

This is a tough choice! I think, though, that the most needed of the topics for the church today is steadfastness in suffering. Realistically, I think this topic is one of the most needed topics to discuss in general, regardless of time period or even circumstance. One of the most difficult yet most guaranteed things to endure in this life is suffering, and I think that addressing that is important. I think it's also important to touch on the concept of suffering being a positive experience, in the sense that our faithful reaction to that suffering and what comes after that can be used to glorify God. It may be painful, frightening, uncomfortable, or any other number of things, but we can trust that He will see us through and provide for us in ways that we can't even imagine. Not only that, but we can use our testimony to better help others face their own suffering.

So much of today's society (and really the world in general) focuses on how to avoid suffering and how to be as hedonistic as possible, but tests of faith and endurance as essential to our experience here on this fallen earth. If we pretend that they don't exist, if we only preach prosperity, for example, then we are missing an entire piece of the puzzle. It is easy to be faithful in pleasure, but we need to build our foundation and learn to be faithful in times of suffering as well, whether it is emotional, physical, spiritual, or anything else.

[Lorna Anne]

The potential danger of our words:

Words Can build up and words can destroy too. The powerful tongue can be used for great good or great evil. Apart from redemption it will only tear down and destroy.

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. but no man can tame the tongue according to the book of James. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

Some of the most common sins we commit are related to speech: gossip, idle chatter, lies, exaggeration, harsh attack and uncharitable remarks. With a gift capable of bringing such good, we can surely cause great harm! – The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22) and it crips in the church too and it causes division and distraction.

How often in our lives , we rush to conclusions, judgments and decisions without really discerning God's heart in those matters?

Ephesians 4:29. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Proverbs 10:19 says, "Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues." Proverbs 15:4 tells us, "The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit."

In conclusion, we need to guard our heart .

[Maureen]

I love that phrase “Don’t be stung by the tongue.” Hurting people are often quick to use their tongue to defend themselves or others. In this book, I have found hope to overcome and learn that I can be still in the face of adversity. As I look at the themes of this book, I’m looking at the development of faith, for overcoming, for not having to have an opinion, instead, having an understanding into deeper prayer for life all around me. To grow in how to love others in midst of what they are struggling with in life, and hopefully have more wisdom in encouraging them to come to the Creator of Life and receive His love for themselves.

[Karry (Karen)]

Years ago we had an elder in our church give a sermon – Don’t be stung by your tongue. He has since passed but this is written in one of my old bibles. These past two years I have been saddened that their are allot of people who put their opinions out strongly with no thought to how it can effects other people. The words sting staying long after it is written in a post. I think as Christians it is vitally important not to step into these moments as they get very tricky – and we need to be an example of the love Jesus had for all. No I am not perfect in life but I do try to stay away from topics that are very controversial on the internet. Words are like fiery darts now adays . Ephesians tells us to speak the truth in love – but I think at this time – it would say delicately and tactfully.

[ECO]

@KarryMac I love it. Don’t be stung by the tongue. What a powerful and important phrase. Thanks for sharing.