James 3:1-12. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. I’m not sure it’s possible to make “no mistakes” in speaking—I know I’ve put my foot in my mouth on more than one occasion. Somehow I find it comforting to know I’m not the only one. The human capacity for speech (verbal or otherwise) and communication is an incredible and powerful gift. Our tongues can get us into trouble, though, as today’s reading from James reminds us. This passage uses metaphor and imagery to describe the power of the tongue: bits that can guide horses, tiny rudders that can steer huge ships, or sparks that can start forest fires. Words matter. Words can be a great blessing, can be woven together in beautiful and compassionate ways. Perhaps a kind word is all a stranger needs to save him or her. But words can also injure and bully and destroy. I will probably never attain perfection in my speech, but I can strive to avoid hurtful mistakes and to make my words a blessing.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Sep 2013 14:02:47 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015