TUESDAY

James 3:3-12 (NIV)

Yesterday, we reflected on how Paul talks about how our conversations should be seasoned in ways that reflect the graciousness of God. In today’s passage, James talks about how things can get murky if we don’t get the seasoning right, and how our tongues—which play a role not only in how things taste but also in what we say—can burn the whole place down. Perhaps you can think of times when you’ve seen something like that happen? Take a few moments to read today’s passage and reflect on how James describes the power of this tiny but powerful part of our bodies. As you reflect on what James shares, here are a few things to think about:

• What are some ways that you have seen how our words, or the words of someone else, have had a much greater impact than anyone would ever have anticipated?

• What does James seem to suggest is at the root of the problem of the tongue getting out of control—sometimes with devastating results?

• What are some of the areas in which you find your own tongue, or perhaps someone else’s, the most challenging to deal with in terms of what it says? What do you think makes it so challenging?

• What are some of the ways that “proper seasoning” might help, either in terms of keeping tongues within more appropriate boundaries or perhaps in being less reactive to them?

• On the other hand, what are some of the really positive things that you have seen come about as a result of what you, or someone else, has said? Why do you think it was so powerful?

• What do you sense God’s invitation to you is from this passage?

Take a few moments to talk with God in prayer about what you have been considering.