Working on our Words

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. - James 3:1-2

There’s a certain humility about James here. He freely admits that ‘we all stumble in many ways,’ And that includes him. He’s not trying to one-up anyone. You get the sense that he knows what it’s like to lose his temper, to be sarcastic, to miss an opportunity to give a blessing.

This week we’ll lean into what it means to use our words well. It won’t be easy. So let’s start with a simple acknowledgment: we all stumble in many ways. Perhaps the biggest step forward this week as we start working on our words is the gift of acknowledging when we’ve messed up with our words. It’s going to happen this week again, guaranteed. So be on the lookout for when you stumble, not to shame yourself (or others who stumble) - but, to paraphrase the first of the Twelve Steps, to admit that you need grace in this area.

If you’re willing to admit you need help, the Spirit will guide you. So take a few minutes and acknowledge your need and invite the Spirit to graciously help you on this journey.