Justice and Blessing

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. - James 3:9-10

These are not subtle devotions, largely because James is pretty straightforward. Take some time to ponder these questions:

• When do you loose your temper at people and why?

• During this election season do you find yourself cursing human beings who are of the opposing party? What does that say about you?

• What would it look like to stand for justice but not curse those who do injustice?

As you think about using your words in this tricky, intense season in our country, let’s look to the great African church leader for counsel:

[Do not] imagine that our enemies can do us more harm than we do to ourselves by hating them, or that by persecuting another man we can damage him more fatally than we damage our own hearts in the process.
- Augustine of Hippo, Confessions

Ask the Spirit to show you the damage you’ve done to yourself by the words you’ve used against others. And ask for the grace to use your words this day for both justice and for blessing.