Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Life – James 3:6 – The Tongue – Growing As Disciples
The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6 (NIV)
Life Giving Words
There is power in your tongue. How so? Your words can kill or your words can heal. You can speak life giving words that will lift others up or you can speak life taking words that will tear others down. What kind of words would you like to speak? Obviously, I would like to speak life giving words that will lift others up. Why is that obvious? Would everyone see it as obvious by the words that have come out of your mouth? Well, I said that I would like to speak life giving words. I did not say that I have always spoken life giving words. That wouldn’t be true. But that’s what I want and that’s what you asked me. Yes, I did, you’re right. So, do you want to make a break with the past? Yes, I do. Do you want new life giving words to come out of your mouth? Yes, I do,
What will need to happen for life giving words to come out of your mouth? I’m not sure, I really don’t know. Do you think that the words of your mouth can be different than what’s in your heart and on your mind? I don’t think so. I’ve tried to keep a lid on negative thoughts and words that I’ve held on to in my heart and mind. Sooner or later those words have erupted and come out of my mouth. Yes, they have and that has not been pretty, has it? No, it hasn’t. Then I’ve spoken life taking words that have torn others down. Yes, you have.
Would you agree that your heart and mind have to change before the words of your mouth will change? Yes, I would. Would you also agree that whatever is in your heart and on your mind will one day come out? Yes, I would. So, if evil is in your heart and on your mind it will come out, is that true? Yes, it is. Likewise, if good is in your heart and on your mind, it will come out, is that also true? I am sure that it is. So, do you want me to change what is in your heart and on your mind? Yes, I do. Why don’t you change your heart and mind by yourself? I would if I could but I can’t. Are you sure? Yes, I’m sure. What makes you so sure you can’t change your own heart and mind? I’ve tried that many times and failed miserably. Yes, you have. Only you can change my heart and mind. Yes, that’s right.
Do you believe that I will change your heart and mind so that you can speak my life giving words? Yes, I do. What do you think I will use to change your heart and mind? You will use your Holy Spirit living inside of me to change me. Yes, I will. What will my Holy Spirit use as a tool to change your heart and your mind? Your Holy Spirit will use your word to change my heart and mind. He will help me to think and speak your words. Yes, He will and then you will be able to speak the life giving words that I will give you to speak into the lives of others. Then my words will come pouring out of your life. Then you be a witness for me in the world. That is exactly what I want.
Lord, in the past the words of my mouth have been like a flamethrower. I have said things that have hurt people and destroyed relationships. No more! Take charge of my tongue. Help me to speak life giving words to other people. Amen
Life – James 3-6 – The Tongue – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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