James

Words Matter

Text: James 3:1-10

Words wield a   greater than we imagine.

We only get into heaven by   what Jesus did for us on the cross and surrendering our lives to be His follower. (Eph. 2:8-9)

Even those of us who are saved and bound for heaven because we’ve surrendered our lives to Jesus will face judgment for how we lived, including our   (Jam. 3:1; Mt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10)

Think about how many   are manifest in our words.

Jesus came to do for us and in us that which we cannot do ourselves, including   the   (Jam. 3:8; Lk. 18:27; Is. 6:5-7)

Questions to ask:

• Have I   the power of words? (Jam. 1:19)

• Have I   my words to Jesus? (Ps. 19:14; 1 Pet. 3:15)

• Am I being both   and   when I speak? (Eph. 4:15)

• Am I careful enough when speaking while offended or   (Eph. 4:26-27)

• Am I giving   in what I say? (Rm. 12:10)

• Am I quick to repent and   when I sin with my words? (1 Jn. 1:9)