1. 'Therefore…' (25-28)

What do we do when the gospel comes to us? We become new creations. However, Satan tries to get a foothold on us at all times. But we must not give him a foothold. We shouldn't speak falsely to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We shouldn't let anger control our behavior and lead us into sin, but we should forgive whoever made us angry. We shouldn't steal, but rather work to earn our keep and to have something to share with those in need. When we live like this, we do not allow the devil to get even a foothold in this world.

2. Build others up (29-32)

James teaches that the tongue is a world of evil (Jas 3:6). We should tame our tongue and use it to build others up, not tear them down. We should not be bitter or angry toward others but forgive them when they wrong us. For our Heavenly Father forgave us our multitudes of sin. By doing these things we please the Holy Spirit, and do not grieve him.


Application: Lord, help me to live my life that others may see your light in me. Help me to be compassionate toward others and use my tongue to build them up.
One Word: Live in such a way that we please God