James series – “The Litmus Test for life”

James 3:1-12

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ² 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. ³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴ Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵ Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶ The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. ⁷ All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. ¹¹ Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? ¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The last principle I want to share to help move your mouth from misery to ministry is: 

• Use you Lips for Love

THE POWER OF THREE LITTLE WORDS James3:1-12;

Psalms 19:14 May these words of my mouth & this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

If you want to HURT someone, the tongue is much more effective than THE FIST is. If you want to APOLOGIZE to someone, all the flowers in the world won’t accomplish what three little words like, “I AM SORRY’ can do. Some of the most significant messages people mouth can come in just 3 words.

Words have the Power to Forge New Friendships, Deepen Old Ones & Restore Relationships.

I’LL BE THERE – Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give. When we are Truly Present for other people, important things happen to them & to us. We are renewed in love & friendship. We are restored emotionally & spiritually.

I MISS YOU – More marriages & friendships could be Salvaged & Strengthened if people Simply, Sincerely said to each other, “I miss you.” This affirmation tells partners they are wanted, needed, desired & loved.

I RESPECT YOU – Respect is another way of showing LOVE. & the feeling that another person is a TRUE EQUAL. .A.powerful way to affirm the Importance Of A Relationship.

MAYBE YOU’RE RIGHT – This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument & restoring frayed emotions. The flip side of “maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting “Maybe I’m Wrong.”

PLEASE FORGIVE ME – Many broken relationships could be restored & healed if people would Admit Their Mistakes & Ask For Forgiveness. All of us are Vulnerable To Faults, Foibles & Failures. A person should never be ashamed to admit they have been in the wrong, which is by saying that they are wiser today than they were yesterday.

I THANK YOU – Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who Don’t Take Daily Courtesies For Granted. They are Quick To Thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness. People whose circle of friends is severely limited often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

COUNT ON ME – “A FRIEND IS ONE WHO WALKS IN WHEN OTHERS WALK OUT.” ” Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship; Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady & true friends. When Troubles Come, A Good Friend Is There, Indicating “You Can Count On Me.”

LET ME HELP – The best of friends see a need & try to fill it. When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in & help.

I UNDERSTAND YOU – People become closer & enjoy each other more if they feel the other person Accepts & Understands Them. Letting others know in so many little ways that you understand him or her is one of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship.

GO FOR IT – Some of your friends may be Non-Conformists, Have Unique Projects & Unusual Hobbies. Support them in pursuing their interests. Rather than urging your loved ones to conform, encourage their uniqueness – everyone has dreams that no one else has.

I LOVE YOU.