Bible Study November 20, 2023
James 3:4-45 (NASB)
“Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!”
No one will deny the power of words. They can alter relationships, change the course of events, and easily be misunderstood. James writes about words being strong enough to change the course of a ship.
What we say and how we communicate are vitally important in our lives. We can create peace or conflict with what we say. They have the ability to inspire a person to new heights or bring them down to a low point in their lives. They provide hope or create despair in one’s life. They encourage, they discourage. It is up to one who delivers the word what it will do.
Our words should be filled with positive encouragement. That is not say when something needs to be corrected to our children as an example we do not do it. But it is to say that when we correct we do it in an encouraging way. Build on what is good and make it a teaching opportunity for positive growth.
We should invest in people’s lives as an encourager.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 