Choose Your Words Carefully

James 3:1-12

This past Sunday, the lectionary text from James was about taming the tongue. James appears to be angry with his hearers because they have caused so much harm and done so much damage to the Gospel message, simply by their words. He wants them to take that as seriously as sin, not as an innocent choice of chatting.

Does it seem like James is blowing things out of proportion? If so, he’s in good company. Jesus, after all, also exaggerated some … I mean, remember that camel/eye of the needle bit?  But James reminds his hearers, and us, of an important balance to keep on this journey.

A balance between believing and doing…

A balance between going to church, and being church…

A balance between loving God, and acting like people who love God…

So, there it is. Let us choose our words carefully.

Rev. Dr. Debi Powell-Maxwell

9/15/2024