Small Group Discussion
James: Faith in Action
- What is “trash talk”? In what areas does it often take place?
- What is the goal of “talking trash”? What effect does it have when used successfully?
- Read James 3:1-6 – volunteer
- According to James, what does the tongue reveal about our hearts and minds?
- What do our words have to do with being a mature person?
- How do rudders on ships and bits in horses’ mouths relate to the tongue? What is James doing with this analogy?
- How have you experienced your tongue making a big positive or negative impact?
- Describe the dangers that our tongues can get ourselves in.
- How can our tongues lead us to do good things?
- Read James 3:7-12 – volunteer
- Why do you think James considered the tongue uncontrollable by our strength alone?
- What does it look like to turn to God for the controlling of our tongues?
- What does it mean for me?
- In what ways can the tongue be used to hurt or curse others?
- Under what circumstances are you most likely to let your tongue harm yourself or others?
- How can the tongue be used to help others?
- Do you need to use your speech in a positive way to reconcile with someone you spoke harshly against?
- Make an effort to reconcile with that person today.