Read: James 3:9-12

James is talking about the power our words have to do damage to others.

But it's not just our words that do evil. Rather, our words reveals the desire to do evil in our minds and hearts. Our words are the litmus test to what goes on inside of us.

A few people have told me they struggle with angry words when they drive. James would say that their problem runs deeper. He would advice a look at the frustration and pain that lurk inside that explode when triggered.

James says good words cannot come from an evil selfish heart. It is not possible to bless God or others with good words and then turn around and pronounce a curse on someone else. Our praise cannot be genuine, our prayers cannot be sincere when we don't deal with the evil inside.

Write
Think about your faith story: how do your words and actions reveal who you really are inside?

What behaviours do you struggle with because they show the worst sides of you? What painful emotions are at the root of these behaviour and actions?

Which relationships in yoru life reveal your dark side? How do these people trigger your bad behaviour?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the tug-of-war between your desire to bless and your desire to vent. Tell God about the dark things that your bad behaviours reveal.

Talk to God about the dark self you would like God to heal. Ask God to show you the first steps to making peace with the conflict within.

Pray for your relationships that show your true self. Ask God for the wisdom to know how to heal these relationships.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as the Spirit shows you and heals you of the root of bad behaviour, and frees you to love as Jesus loves.