Have you ever heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? Whoever came up with that never got into a real argument with their spouse or sibling, or had a harsh teacher in school, or got stuck in a group chat where someone overshared about your life! Let’s be honest: words can cut deeper than we’d like to admit. They don’t just float away into the atmosphere—they stay, linger, and sometimes even haunt us. That’s why James doesn’t mince words (pun intended) when he instructs us about the power of our words to bless and bring life, or to bring hurt and death. Words are powerful. Think about it: just a few words can turn a good day into a bad one—or even a great one! It’s why a compliment can make us walk a little taller, and a careless comment can send us spiralling into self-doubt. The Bible agrees: James 3:1-12 is all about the importance of what we say and how our tongues—small as they are—hold the power of life and death. James wasn’t joking around when he compared our tongues to a fire. If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of a wildfire, you know it doesn’t take much for things to get out of control quickly. One little spark, and suddenly everything is engulfed in flames. Similarly, our words, though small, can spread far and wide, impacting not just those around us but the entire atmosphere of our communities.

Truth is, words do hurt, and sometimes their wounds take longer to heal than any bruise. But on the flip side, words also have the power to heal, to encourage, and to lift people up. That’s why we’re called to speak life—to choose words that reflect God’s love and grace. James paints a vivid picture for us: he talks about a bit in a horse’s mouth (something so tiny it controls a whole animal) and a rudder on a ship (again, tiny, but able to steer a vessel). The point? Small things can have a massive impact. The way we use our words can direct not just our own lives but the lives of those around us. So, what does this look like in real life? Let’s face it: it's easy to slip up. Maybe you’ve had that moment where you swore you’d be patient today, but then your coworker said something ridiculous, and BAM—out it came. Or perhaps you’ve been around family members (they know how to push your buttons, right?) and before you know it, you’re in an argument over something silly, just because the wrong words slipped out. This is why James says that no one can "tame the tongue" on their own. It’s tricky business! But here’s the good news: we’re not on our own. With God’s help, we can learn to use our words to bring life instead of hurt. It’s about inviting the Holy Spirit into our daily conversations, asking for wisdom, and reminding ourselves that our words matter. A lot.

If we break it down, living out the gospel day by day often comes down to the simple stuff: how we treat others, how we speak to them, how we respond in tough situations. We don’t need grand, sweeping gestures of faith; sometimes it’s in the everyday interactions where the gospel shines the brightest. Think about how Jesus lived—He was kind, approachable, and full of grace in His words. When we speak like that, we bring His love into our everyday lives. It’s not about being perfect or having all the answers; it’s about letting our speech be seasoned with grace, even when we’re tired, frustrated, or not feeling our best.

So, how do we make this real? How do we “choose life” with our words in simple, practical ways? Here are a few ideas:

1. Pause Before You Speak: We’ve all heard the advice to “think before you speak,” but James gives it a fresh twist. If our words can steer the course of life like a ship's rudder, why not take a second to think about where we're steering? Maybe before you respond to that tricky text message or fire back at someone who’s frustrating you, pause. Ask yourself, “Will this bring life? Will this encourage, or am I just adding fuel to a fire?”
2. Encourage Regularly: We all need encouragement. And the great news? It doesn’t have to be complicated! A simple, “Hey, you’re doing great,” or “I see you, and I’m praying for you,” can go a long way. Our words have the power to lift people up, to remind them of their worth in God’s eyes. Who can you encourage today?
3. Apologize When You Mess Up: Let’s be real: we all mess up. Sometimes we speak before we think, or we say things we regret. When that happens, owning up and apologizing can be a powerful way to bring healing. It’s not always easy but admitting we’re wrong shows humility and invites restoration.
4. Speak Life Over Yourself: It’s not just about how we talk to others—how are you speaking to yourself? Sometimes the harshest words we speak are aimed at our own hearts. James doesn’t let us off the hook here, either. Are you encouraging yourself? Are you reminding yourself of God’s truth? Words of life apply to us too!

The Ripple Effect: When we start to pay attention to our words, the ripple effect is real. Imagine a church community where everyone is intentional about speaking life. What could happen? Maybe conflicts would resolve quicker, relationships would grow deeper, and people who come in feeling weary would leave encouraged. Our words have the potential to create an atmosphere of grace—a place where people feel loved, accepted, and seen. And isn't that what living out the gospel looks like? It’s simple, but it’s powerful. We don’t need to overcomplicate it; we just need to be mindful that our everyday words can either build up or tear down. Let’s choose to build.

Here’s a little experiment: try to go a whole day without saying anything negative. No complaints, no sarcasm, no little digs at yourself or others. (Sounds easy, right? Just wait until you hit traffic!) You might be surprised at how much we rely on those little jabs to get through the day. But what if we swapped those out for something else? What if instead of complaining about how slow the line is, we thanked the person behind the counter for their work? Or what if instead of criticizing ourselves for a mistake, we spoke a word of grace? We’re not aiming for perfection here, just progress. Every word is an opportunity to reflect the heart of Jesus, even in the small stuff.

Let’s be the kind of people who speak words that build up, words that reflect the grace we’ve been given, and words that make others feel a little more loved and a little more seen. And hey, if you slip up? Just remember, there’s grace for that too. Now, go out there and choose life—one word at a time! Grace and peace to us all!