The brokenness of our world and our sinful nature could not be more evident than when it comes to the use of our tongues - our words. So much so that God says the use of our words has the power to bring life and death (Proverbs 18:21). Which will it be for us as a church? We need nothing other than Jesus' words to be certain that the former always overcomes the latter. Now is the best time to speak words of life, not death, into each other's hearts. Jesus is that means for us.

James 3:1-12

3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

For Adult Homes and Groups

1. Read and memorize the 8th Commandment and Luther’s explanation of it. Next, read James 3:1-12. How do these verses connect?

2. What is the root problem behind the 8th Commandment? On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 5 (all the time), how prevalent do you think dishonesty and harsh words are among people you know? Where do you place yourself on that scale?

3. What does it mean to speak the truth in love?

4. When you’re around lies, gossip, or slander, what are you responsible for in that moment? What does God invite you to do at that time?

5. How can you live as a witness to Jesus (the Truth) in a culture that encourages dishonesty, gossip, and slander?

6. Pray together. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to be more intentional in an area of your life where speaking and upholding the truth is needed. 

For Families with Kids

1. Read and memorize the 8th Commandment and Luther’s explanation of it. What are some ways people lie or twist the truth? Why do you think we are tempted to do that?

2. How can lying hurt our friends, families, and communities?

3. How can we make it safe and encourage people in our lives to be truthful? 

4. Is there someone you need to speak to this week about making things right with your words? Pray together. Ask God to give you strength to do it and bless that hurt relationship with His Peace. 

5. As a family, make a list of small steps you can take to be more honest where we live, work, learn, and play. Pray about them and encourage each other with words that build up.