James 3:9-12

                                                        cut the cursing

          In verses 2-8 James laid out the tremendous potential for good or evil in the use of language.  Now the stated fact is that we use our tongue to both effects.  We are not surprised by this, but we should be disturbed!  What do you think is the key phrase of this set of verses?  What phrase, if taken seriously would have the greatest impact on your behavior?

          In Jewish tradition, “blessing” the King of the Universe was and is integral to existence.  There are a variety of prayers spoken daily which are part of the activity of blessing God and belonging to God.  This activity is seen as the highest, most noble use of language.  A curse is an expressed desire that someone be cut off from God and experience punishment.  But wait:  if you are a Christian, you bear within yourself the Spirit of God.  What makes the curse especially abhorrent is the idea of desiring separation between God and His creation.        

Here is what I see as the key: “Made in the similitude of God”.  When we reject a person, we are rejecting some aspect of God’s very own character:  we withhold from them His goodness in us, and we reject His goodness in them.   Perhaps we need to change our mindset about other people—especially those we find annoying or bothersome.  Where is your focus?  Is it on the annoying bothersome, hurtful characteristics you see?  Could your focus shift to the reality that he/she is made in God’s image, embodying some of His qualities? If you are “cursing” someone – wishing for their separation, you should also recognize as James says, “these things ought not to be so.”  This is what can be done:

1.                      1.  Confess your own judgment, criticism, insecurity, fear, etc.  (the thing that makes you especially want distance from them.)              Your heart needs a cleaning…

2.                       2.  Repent of that perspective and set a new course. Try viewing them (and yourself) in the light of truth.  Act according to that new perspective.

3.                       3.  Submit to truth, and be accountable to another believer who holds to The Truth.

4.                       4.  Give thanks for the whole situation, recognizing that “hard” people

a.        bring light to the sinful attitudes of your own heart

b.        can serve to remind you that everyone is still ‘in process’

c.        have gifts, talents and qualities you may lack

Read and Pray:  Psalm 50:14-23, Matthew 15:9-20, 1 John 3:20-24