James: Controlling the Tongue
James says that we all stumble in what we say, and that no human being can tame the tongue. Why is that? Because a tongue issue is really a heart issue. It is from the overflow of the heart that the mouth speaks. We cannot fix our hearts, but God can create in us a new heart. From the overflow of this new heart, the mouth will speak new things. The exceedingly great resurrection power of God is in us, He has given us everything we need for life and godliness.
Life Group Questions
Re-read James 3, invite the Spirit to help you remember anything that was brought to mind on Sunday, or maybe something that is freshly highlighted for you.
Karin used the image of "spewers" and "stuffers". Spewers being those that seem to find themselves in situations where they might say, "I shouldn't have said that" and a stuffer being a person that may find themselves saying, "I should have said something". Do you find yourself gravitating towards one or the other? Has it changed over your life?
James describes the power of the tongue for life and death, reflect and share times in scripture that come to mind of speech acts having the power of life and death. As you share these moments does there seem to be similarities between them?
What are some practical ways that you as a follower of Jesus can join Him in speaking life to those around you? (In your home, if you work then in your workplace, with your neighbors, etc)
Spend some time reflecting on the way you use your tongue. Try to reflect on a recent situation and simply notice how you responded and start yourself questions. Questions like, "what was my response?", "what was the driving factor behind my response?" then start asking yourself questions about why you might have responded this way. This is a difficult process and it is okay not to know why, noticing is a good first step. Invite God to show you opportunities for bringing the use of your tongue to him, asking for more knowledge of your past, your inner life, and ways He might want to help you become more like Jesus. Share this with someone in your life group, and follow up with them over the next few weeks about how things are going.