Reflect
The “new in the attitude of your minds” (4:23) for Christians will be evident in how we talk to each other. Paul gives specific examples of the kind of language that is not appropriate for Christ-followers, and then comes the punchline: “Be imitators of God…. And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us….” (5:1-2). No pressure! James 3:1-6 reminds us of how difficult it is to ‘tame the tongue’ so we know that we can’t be imitators of God just by making up our mind to talk better today, hold our tongue, etc. Imitating God’s love and compassion for each other will take the power of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Jesus Himself said: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt 19:26). He made this comment in response to the disciples’ question, “Who then can be saved?” but it is an appropriate response to the question, “How should Christ-followers talk to/about each other?”
Apply
What is this passage saying to you about how you talk about your brothers and sisters in the church?
Pastor Sharon
Pray
- For those who need to be encouraged in heart and united in love.
- Ask God to increase your awareness of the wisdom and knowledge in Jesus Christ.
- Pray through the prayer page in the bulletin.
- Pray for Pastor Neil. Pray that God would restore his health during his medical leave.
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor, his family and his intern Dave Falk.