06/01/2026
Here is a short summary of William's sermon from Sunday, 05.31.26.
James - Faith That Works
The battle for control over your tongue gets a little easier when you understand that the Bible is against free speech.
As Christians we are called to surrender our words to Jesus. To honor Christ instead of doing what we want.
James says we should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger. This is good advice for anyone. Our first response is not always a Godly response. How many confrontations would simply disappear if we would seek to understand before we speak?
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
To control your words is to control yourself. Controlling your words begins with conforming your heart to the heart of God.
For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45b
Words, if not kept in check can lead us into dangerous situations. As we grow in the Holy Spirit, control over our tongue should increase.
James is talking about more than cursing. He is talking about gossip, slander, sarcasm that wounds, jokes that belittle, words that hurt. Words can empower another person, or they can deflate. We should recognize the power our words have and use them with restraint.
The tongue is uncontrollable and cannot be mastered except by God. But with the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life, you can learn.
The Royal Law: Love God and love your neighbor as yourself. This law should form our attitudes, opinions and the words we speak.
Scripture for next week: James 1:6-8, 4:1-10, 5:13-20
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