Words That Build vs. Divide
Scripture
James 3:1-11
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Ephesians 4:29
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Words That Build vs. Divide
Words shape our relationships. James describes the tongue as small but powerful, capable of setting entire lives ablaze. Within the church, words can either strengthen unity or tear it apart.
Careless speech such as gossip, sarcasm, harsh criticism, these things erode trust and damage community. Even words spoken in frustration can leave lasting wounds. James warns against the contradiction of praising God while cursing people made in His image.
God calls His people to speak with intention and grace. Words that build people up , they encourage faith, affirm value, and promote peace. Speaking truth in love requires wisdom, restraint, and reliance on the Holy Ghost.
Unity is preserved when believers are mindful of how they communicate. This includes not only what we say, but how we say it. Tone, timing, and motive all matter.
Today, reflect on your recent conversations. Do your words reflect the heart of Christ? Are they marked by grace and truth?
Ask God to guard your tongue and purify your heart. Pray for speech that brings life and healing. When words are surrendered to God, unity becomes a natural outcome.
Careless speech such as gossip, sarcasm, harsh criticism, these things erode trust and damage community. Even words spoken in frustration can leave lasting wounds. James warns against the contradiction of praising God while cursing people made in His image.
God calls His people to speak with intention and grace. Words that build people up , they encourage faith, affirm value, and promote peace. Speaking truth in love requires wisdom, restraint, and reliance on the Holy Ghost.
Unity is preserved when believers are mindful of how they communicate. This includes not only what we say, but how we say it. Tone, timing, and motive all matter.
Today, reflect on your recent conversations. Do your words reflect the heart of Christ? Are they marked by grace and truth?
Ask God to guard your tongue and purify your heart. Pray for speech that brings life and healing. When words are surrendered to God, unity becomes a natural outcome.
1 Comment
Great teaching ☺️