Listen

If those who claim devotion to God don’t control what they say, they mislead themselves. Their devotion is worthless. True devotion, the kind that is pure and faultless before God the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their difficulties and to keep the world from contaminating us.

James 1:26-27

Think

A father accompanied his daughter to buy some ballet shoes. While waiting for the girl to try on her shoes, he wanted to be nice to the store clerk. With a smile on his face, he asked, “Is it a boy or girl?” to which the clerk, looking astonished and not very happy, replied, “I’m not pregnant.” The embarrassed father quickly paid for the shoes, grabbed his daughter by the hand and rushed out of the store to escape the embarrassing situation.

How many of us have fallen into similar situations, where we have not curbed our tongue, but willingly or unwillingly said something based on our own judgments. The father in the story didn’t mean to offend anyone, but his judgment led him to a conclusion that did not end well.

In today’s scripture the apostle James advises us to bridle our tongue and rather to act on behalf of the needy. Pay more attention to helping people than judging them. Perhaps then we can inspire others to do the same.

Mariely Gutierrez

Question to Ponder:

When have your words gotten you into trouble?

Pray

God, on this day, help me to be generous and compassionate to those around me. Give me the courage to love and serve others.

Amen.

Go

Go in peace recognizing that God’s love is sufficient.

Go trusting that Christ is your faithful friend.

Go shining with the light of the Holy Spirit.