Scripture:“…but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.” (James 3:8-10) Reflection:James doesn’t mince his words. His message in these verses is clear and doesn’t require a theological understanding of the time to decipher the meaning. We know from our experiences as children how powerful and cruel words can be, ranging from bullying to verbal abuse. “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Not the best advice really. And yet we can say the kindest things and make someone’s day by offering a small, unprompted compliment. We think that we don’t hold any power to influence others, but I bet that you can remember something hurtful and something kind that was once said to you. We have the free will to choose what to do with this power. How can you use yours this week? Who will you inflict hurt upon, or who will you offer grace and kindness to? Victoria Bray
Scripture:'My brothers and sisters,[a] do you with your acts of favouritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please’, while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand there’, or, ‘Sit at my feet’, have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?' (James 2 1-4) Reflection:Have you ever felt the need to put on a different persona or ‘mask’ when in certain social situations? Or have you equated someones inteligence with the way that they talk? Do you have a ‘telephone’ voice?We all, in one way or another, make judgements about a person based on their appearance, the way they walk or talk, and their social standing.Oh to be like little children - who show no such partiallity, they interact with each other and with adults, just as they are. They don’t ‘dress to impress’ they just live out what Christ is asking us to do - to treat every person with the respect and love which they deserve, allowing people to be who they are born to be - made and loved by God.Lyn Hayes, ALM
Scripture:'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.' (Proverbs 1.7) Reflection:The phrase ‘life-long learners’ is a good way to think about ourselves. As a new academic year begins, it is good to focus our hopes and prayers on teachers and schools, trainers, lecturers and colleges. At the same time, we may remember that everyone at avery age and stage of life still needs better understanding and greater wisdom – and to be open to instruction! David Harmsworth
