Tag: james

Highlights from James 2 & 3

James 2

“Doesn’t your discrimination show that your judgements are guided by evil motives?”

Loving your neighbor as yourself is just as an important commandment as not murdering someone. It’s important to come to a situation with an open heart. Show grace and mercy to one another.

“There will be no mercy to those who have not shown mercy to each other.”

“Faith by itself isn’t enough, unless it has produced good deeds.”

I will show my faith with my good deeds. You must do more than just believe in God. You must go out and show the world who being loved by God has transformed you to be. What it’s meant to be loved my God. You must be good and just in the world. Just as He has been to do.

James 3

“But a tiny spark can set a great forest fire.”

When it comes to controlling thy tongue it’s important to note that the tongue is a flame of fire, it is a whole world of wickedness. Just as you cant draw fresh water from a salty spring you can also not draw goodness from a troubled mouth. You can’t curse something then praise the Lord with the same mouth. Be slow to speak and quick to listen.

“If you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart do not cover it up by boasting and lying.”

Be true to God and yourself. Selfishness and jealousy do not come from God. Disorder and evil come from corrupt ambition.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.”

Wisdom from above is full of mercy and good deeds. It’s always sincere and without favoritism.

“Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Highlights from James 1

“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it a great opportunity for joy.”

Not “if” but “when”. God knows we will face trials and tribulation and with his word he will give us everything we need to fight these battles.

“… Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea.”

As hard as it might be, you must have faith in God and God alone. You must be loyal to Him. Do not let your fear override your faith in Him.

“God blesses those who endure testing and temptation.”

Temptation does not come from God. He is never tempted to do wrong. When your faith is tested your endurance strengthens. God will gift you with the good and the perfect. We are God’s most prized possession and He reminds us of this throughout history. In Him, we are cared for.

“… You must be quick to listen and slow to speak and slow to get angry. “

Take time to hear what God is telling you. Do not be tempted by anger and aggression. Our human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. We must always humbly accept God’s word as it has the power to save our souls in times of temptation and weakness.

“Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.”

According to God, the perfect law will set you free. It’s important to apply the word to daily life. To not only read it but meditate on it and let it reside in your soul. God will bless you for doing so.

“If you claim religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself…”

Always be kind and courteous when it comes to your words. The tongue is the key to life and death, it can lead you astray. It important to season yourself with comforting words of grace and patience. Be kind to others, in word and in deed.