Devotional
James 1:19-27
James 1:19-27
Last week we read and reflected on Bartimaeus’ courage and faith. He wasn’t afraid to speak out and cry out for Jesus. Yet, in the book of James, we seem to get almost the opposite message. James tells the church to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger.
We must remember the context of every passage. In this instance, James is reminding his church of the importance of loving one another by thinking of others and exercising self-restraint. I am particularly interested in verse 26: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This can be particularly challenging for some people, and it is a strong warning. If we are habitually hurting people, tearing them down and speaking negatively without thinking, James is saying our faith is worthless. This does not mean we are not saved, but rather that our faith is not counting for much because it is not being represented well through our words.
Sometimes our anger can get the better of us, and words seem to just spill out. Anger is something we need to manage and keep in check because, as verse 20 says, it does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Are you keeping your tongue in check? Do you say hurtful things to people? Are you speaking the truth but perhaps in an unloving way? Maybe this is something you need to practise in this season of life. We want our faith to be worthwhile, not worthless.
God bless you as you seek Him.
James
We must remember the context of every passage. In this instance, James is reminding his church of the importance of loving one another by thinking of others and exercising self-restraint. I am particularly interested in verse 26: “Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
This can be particularly challenging for some people, and it is a strong warning. If we are habitually hurting people, tearing them down and speaking negatively without thinking, James is saying our faith is worthless. This does not mean we are not saved, but rather that our faith is not counting for much because it is not being represented well through our words.
Sometimes our anger can get the better of us, and words seem to just spill out. Anger is something we need to manage and keep in check because, as verse 20 says, it does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
Are you keeping your tongue in check? Do you say hurtful things to people? Are you speaking the truth but perhaps in an unloving way? Maybe this is something you need to practise in this season of life. We want our faith to be worthwhile, not worthless.
God bless you as you seek Him.
James
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