Inconsistent speech. Oh my, the trouble it can cause. We stand in service and raise our voices in praise of the God and King, and then as we leave the building we mutter about what so-and-so was wearing or complain about the organist who hit a sour note. *cringe* James followed this verse with, “My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.” “Curse” here doesn’t necessarily mean profanity—it refers to belittling others, disregarding others’ feelings, or lacking respect for others, among other things. Jesus told us to love God and then love others as ourselves. If we truly love God, then His love should spill over on others. With every word we say, we’re crafting our testimony. Will it be a testimony of grace and mercy or impatience and cursing? I pray it’s the former, which produces the greater fruit in our personal lives and will have a positive impact on God’s kingdom.
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