Title: Living Words/James 3:1~10
Content Lifelike words/Approx. 3:1~10
Key Verse: “We all make many mistakes, and if anyone makes no mistakes in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle even his whole body” (James 3:2).
Word: Wild beasts, insects, and even fish are tamed by trainers. But the only untamed member is the tongue. The tongue is small, but it can create happiness or unhappiness. We need the wisdom to examine ourselves to see if the words we say give us hope and happiness, or if we say words that bring hurt and pain. In today's text, the writer of James introduces the importance of words.
First, the power of words is compared to three things.
① The power of the tongue is compared to a double (verse 4). Just as the direction of a boat being pushed by a windstorm is determined by its extremely small height, happiness and unhappiness depend on how a person's tongue moves. ②The tongue is compared to fire (verse 6). Just as a small spark burns the whole world, a small tongue defiles the whole body, destroys character, and destroys life. ③The tongue is a part that cannot be tamed. Knife wounds heal with stitching, but words torn wounds can remain intact for decades.
Second, James compares the influence of words in two ways.
① Blessings and curses come out of one mouth (verses 9-10). It's a sigh of relief how can you do this in one bite. ②Sweet and bitter waters come out of one spring (verse 11). Sweet water is a word that instills love and hope, while bitter water is a word that hurts and hurts.
Third, which words are life-giving?
① A word to express gratitude. People who have received grace always say thanks when they open their mouths. Because Paul was in grace, he ended his life with gratitude even in prison, in the midst of storms, and on his deathbed. ② Creative and positive words. Words control thoughts and thoughts create actions. Successful people in any field have one thing in common: they speak positively and move forward in search of answers in any case. Like Caleb and Joshua, they are people who have fulfilled the Canaanite dream with positive words. ③ A word of praise. Everyone wants to be praised. A child who has been praised has the motivation and confidence to do everything. However, a child who is rebuked for negative words develops a sense of inferiority, lacks self-confidence, and as a result, relationships become unsatisfactory.
Words have a life force that makes people happy or unhappy, kills or saves. Therefore, I hope that you will become happy people by using the words of blessing that catch happiness.
Prayer: God's word has life. Therefore, help me to become happy people by using many words of blessing that catch happiness. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Lord's Prayer