INTRODUCTION
The book of James is not for the faint of heart. This book is not hard to understand, but it is tough to apply. James, the author of this book, lived with Jesus and then went through his own process to come to the decision to believe his Brother actually was who He said He was. Give yourself both time and grace to process what the Holy Spirit is saying to you through this series. Do not run from His invitations, but also do not allow yourself to be distracted from what you sense He is doing deep inside of you. The Lord knows us and He will individually and clearly invite us to what is best for us…and it may not feel awesome at first.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
If you were able to objectively look at the past week of your own life what would you say is the ultimate goal of your life? Not what do you intend or hope for it to be, but based on your decisions, your words, your worries, your prayers, your money spent, and your use of your time what are you honestly prioritizing as your goal?
What do you need to do to change your best of intentions into actual changes?
An orange tree might have a sign on it that says “Orange Tree,” but if the fruit on it is yellow and sour the sign is not telling the truth. The sign on our lives does not matter. The fruit does. What fruit is growing in your life (spoiler alert- this can change and improve anytime we choose to make the necessary adjustments)?
Jesus wants us to be whole which means to have integrity. He wants us to live according to the values and beliefs that He guides us to. What is an area of your life where your integrity or wholeness has room to grow?
Other people’s words matter. Our own words matter. Taming the tongue is not an easy thing to do. Can you think of a time that you were either deeply affected by someone’s words or a time that someone was deeply affected by your words?
Can you share a time that you said words that you regretted and then all the effort you put forth to undo what you said? Did it work?
Words have a profound affect on so much! Peter was referred to as “Satan” when he spoke on behalf of his own perspective and values. How many of us are guilty of the same? James is inviting us to allow our hearts and words to align with the heart of God. We all have lots of room for growth here. As you consider “taming your tongue” what is an area that you are most wild in (and in need of taming)?
James recognized that we cannot do this on our own, That’s actually a relief. Jesus wants to help us. What can you do to allow Jesus to help you with your tongue? (Note- He typically does not just do the work for you after you ask Him to help you. He has His part and we have our part)
James is inviting us to be courageous and take an honest look at our hearts and our words. Most (if not all) of us have people close to us who can help us by giving us an honest assessment of how our words affect those around us. If you want to know the truth then ask someone close to you. It may be good to also ask them to be gentle. What do your words tell you about your own character?
James says that both cursing and praising come from the same mouths. Yes. Yes they do. He also says, “This should not be.” No. No it should not. What are you willing to do about this issue (however significant or insignificant you may think it is) in your own life?
Cursing, slander, complaining, and negative thoughts are fruit that is not good. Which of these traits are hardest for you to deal with in others?
Which of those traits is the one you need to give some attention to personally?
Sometimes we get surprised, or even disappointed, by the words we use. It is natural to justify or to rationalize this, but what do those surprises reveal about yourself?
God wants to have all of us, including our mouths. What is a way that you can surrender your mouth (and words) more than you already have?
How can your words draw attention to Jesus and away from yourself?
This is a tough topic that is hard for all of us. What is a way that your enemy might want to use regret or shame to keep you from growing this week?
How can we encourage you on your journey to grow fruit that reflects Jesus in your life even more?
MOVING FORWARD
When it comes to our tongues we all have room for improvement. There are those that talk a lot and they have room for wisdom and growth. There are those who do not talk much and they have room for courage and growth. We all have room for growth. As we strive to surrender more and more to Jesus our mouths are such a huge part of our lives. They reveal both growth and also needed growth. Embrace where you are and accept where you are being invited to go. Do not compare yourself with others and do what you can to improve your fruit production. Jesus is not condemning or shaming you. He is lovingly pointing out truth and inviting you to better. That’s what He does. Let’s grow some Jesus fruit this week!