Mending Damaged Relationships_08

Using the Right Word to Mend Damaged Relationships James 4:11-17As we continue our study in the fourth chapter of James, we come to a passage that ought to challenge each of us. We have dealt with the struggles we all face, living in a body of flesh, and the opportunity to overcome these struggles. James now turns his attention to another set of struggles that are known to plague humanity. As we move through these verses, I am sure you will realize times in your life when you have faced these challenges. As we have said, we are human and there are times when our humanity shows. This passage spoke to me, as I too have struggled with the challenges revealed in the text. There are likely times when we are more susceptible to engage in such activity, but I am sure we all can relate to these particular struggles. No doubt each of us like to feel as if we are living in a way that pleases God, and if we aren't careful, we will be critical of those whom we perceive have strayed or are not walking in a way that pleases God. We like to feel as if we have a measure of control over our destiny. We talk of faith, but many times we want to choose our path and make our own way rather than seeking the Lord and trusting His guidance. These are the struggles addressed in this passage of Scripture. The wrong words used in a relationship can have damaging effects on our lives and are hard to heal once they have been released from our mouths. I would like to look at the reflections of James as we consider a question he raised in the text: Using the Right words to Heal damaged relationships? We would do well to examine our lives from time to time and the motivations that drive us.