This week is all about the tongue. Warren Wiersbe said, "The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given us. With the tongue, people can praise God, pray, preach the Word and lead the lost to Christ. What a privilege! But with that same tongue he can tell lies that could ruin a man's reputation or break a person's heart. The ability to speak words is the ability to influence others and accomplish tremendous tasks, and yet we take this ability for granted."

Our readings for this week: Ephesians 4: 25-32; Matthew 15: 16-20; James 3: 1-12

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am or go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. How do James' words here prompt and shape your reflection on what you have said to others in the last few days?

2. What did you find most challenging about these verses (James 3: 1-12)?

3. Is there a way you have used your tongue, perhaps recently or years ago, that you need to repent of and seek someone's forgiveness for? How will you go about doing that today?

4. What does your tongue reveal about your heart?

5. How does thinking about our use of words cause you to adore Jesus even more for the way he used his own tongue?

6. The phrase "loose lips sink ships" gained popularity during World Was II because of the literal truth embedded in the words. How is this phrase also true today?

7. Think back on a recent example of how words can damage. This could be something from the public arena or your own life. Now think of a specific example about the "poisoning" that happens from secrets and rumors. How does the poison of harsh words or rumors spread compared with the retraction of such statements? Why are negative words so much more insidious than positive words?

8. Read James 3:9 again. What examples of this two-sided nature of the tongue come to mind as you reflect on the past week at work and home? What sort of "spiritual medicine" helps tame a tongue that curses as well as blesses?

9. What do our words tell us about our hearts? Why is the tongue so difficult to control?

10. What are two or three practical ways you can be more careful with your words?