<aside> 💡 BIG IDEA: A life well lived uses words to praise God and bless people.
</aside>
Can you think of something that someone said to you at a young age (whether positive or negative) which has stuck with you to this day? Why has that stuck with you?
READ James 3:1-12
ASK: Why do you think James starts this section about the tongue talking about teachers in verses 1-2? According to verse 2, why is being able to control what we say a sign of maturity?
What illustrations does James use to describe the tongue in verses 3-8? What do each of these illustrations reveal about the power of words?
According to verses 9-12, what is the problem with Christians using their words to tear down others? If someone who professes to love God is using his or her tongue to tear down others, what problems does that reveal about his or her relationship with God?
<aside> 📌 Note: In verse 9, James references an idea found throughout Scripture, starting in Genesis 1:26, that every human being is created in the image of God. (The fancy theological term for this is the Imago Dei.) Back in chapter 2, James argued that true faith in God should always lead to a life of love for others; here in chapter 3, he applies this idea to how we use our words in our vertical and horizontal relationships and what our words about others reveal about the condition of our hearts.**
</aside>
<aside> ✝️ Gospel Connection: READ Colossians 3:16-17. How is the gospel (i.e. the word of Christ) supposed to shape our words toward one another?
</aside>
ASK: How often do you think about the impact of what you say to other people? How is the way you speak to other people affecting them?
How would you characterize what you say about people behind their backs? What does the way you speak about other people reveal about your heart?
When you use your speech to tear down others (either to their face or behind their back) what does that reveal about what you believe about them and their worth? How does the way you relate to God need to change how you see others?
ASK: What is one practical way you can seek to tame your tongue this week? How can you invite others to help keep you accountable?
RESPOND: Take time as a GROUP to praise God for His perfect word for us which is designed to bless us and build us up into the image of His Son.