Our scripture this morning is James 1:26-27.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
James warns us about the most devastating human weapon of all – human speech. Our words can wound each other and once they are said they can’t be unsaid. In the next chapter of this letter we read “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10). Especially in today’s world of instant and often anonymous communication we must “keep a tight rein on our tongues”. Our endless arguments do nothing to advance the cause Jesus gave us of loving and caring for one another. James reiterates the Lord’s call for us to “look after orphans and widows in their distress and keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Our charge is to be the loving face and hands of Christ to all and speak His truth.
Gracious God, You have gifted us with everything and given us the responsibility to care for Your creation. Bless us to go in Your name and bring Your love to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.
