16th Sunday after Pentecost James 3:1-12

Preaching Commentary

The Dangers of Our Words

No matter how much we might wish it weren’t the case, the perception others have of us is directly connected to the words (and actions) we use throughout our lives. Most of us go through our lives using words without even thinking about it. Whether it be gossip, conversations with our neighbors, or, dare I say it, social media, we rarely carry the kind of intentionality that James seems to be advising leaders in the church to take when it comes to the word.

Our passage this week is relatively straightforward and continues James’ major theme of “pure religion” (Ja 1:27) that followers of Christ are to strive for in their lives. At its core, it is about the dangers of…