The Image of God in Others (James 3:7-11)

James 3:7-11

Have you said anything you wish you could take back?

Something that made you cringe when you thought about it later?

I have. Many, many times.

I could write it off as an occupational hazard as a pastor. Jokes that fall flat, awkward turns of phrase, and confusing points are frustratingly common in preaching.

But the words I really wish I could get back aren't ones I've given up front, but those I've said in the living room with my family, at dinner with friends, or before bed with my wife.

Thinking about the dumb, hurtful, and selfish things I've said (even just this year!) brings grief to my soul.

This week at Grace, we're looking at James 3. This passage outlines how amazingly capable our speech is, but how that comes with danger. Because our speech to others isn't just a matter of our relationship - it's an act of worship toward God.

How we speak to people made in God's image shows what we think of God. That's because our speech to people is speech made to images of God. As "The Message" paraphrases James 3:9, "With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image."

I hope that this Sunday we can reflect together on our speech in light of the gospel and move forward together as a community of grace together!

Hope to see you Sunday at Grace!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?

-James 3:7-11