SJF - Daily Worship, Word and Spirit - Nov. 30, 2023

The Book of James is a really great book for believers. It really tries to focus a Jesus follower on what to do after getting ‘saved’ (or putting our faith in Christ Jesus for salvation). Take a look at how James even acknowledges that everyone makes mistakes.

“For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” (James 3:2–5, NKJV)

He doesn’t bring condemnation. He brings understanding and direction. We all stumble, but if we can learn to control our tongue, the rest will be pretty simple. Maturity is not measured in never making mistakes. (I always have to remind myself that word translated ‘perfect’ should really be translated ‘mature’.) It is measured by our love for one another and our love for one another can be easily measured in the way we speak. When we start exercising self control (fruit of the spirit) over our tongue and then speaking the truth in love, we are becoming mature believers.