Blessings and Curses

James 3:9-12

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

In this continuation of the volatility of the tongue, James expresses concern over double mindedness. He mentioned this in the beginning of his letter when discussing asking God for wisdom but not expecting an answer. Similarly, as we build up and destroy with the same mouth, we can also be a man unstable in his ways.

As we keep in mind that our speech is a reflection of our heart, we can gauge our walk in faith by how we speak. It is one of the things in our lives as we grow closer to God, changes to show others our change. It is part of what others notice that “there is something different about you”. Of course, a reflection of our faith “perfected” and mature is when our mouths don’t utter any curses, only blessings and encouragement.

Throughout this weekend, let’s focus on what we are saying. While I’d like to simply encourage us to “watch our mouths” I’d like to look at it with a different intent. I think we should look retrospectively on what we say throughout our days. This will show us OUR heart condition and where we are lacking in faith and discipline in our walk with Christ.

Where do you need improvement?

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