If our fruit is good, our trees (we ourselves) are good because “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart.”  Therefore we will be judged by what we say (Matt. 12:33-37) because what we say and how we say it proves the worth of our religion (James 1:26).    … Read More James: The Tongue’s Stricter Judgment

Is what we say to others, in person as well as in writing and online, proof that we are indeed very mindful that God will either save or condemn us by what we say, as He promised (Matt. 12:34-37)?  Do our daily actions, our dealings with our fellow man and our time spent in daily prayer and study of Scripture (or lack thereof), show that preparing ourselves for eternity is a priority?… Read More James: Judgment and Mercy

Acknowledging our strengths and the areas in which we have grown is both encouraging, exciting, and motivating.  To not do so keeps us discouraged and leads us to be more easily motivated to give up.  However, to go to the opposite extreme (which we tend to do) is equally counterproductive.… Read More James: Stumbling in One Point

Consider a scenario in which you recognize clearly when an average friend or acquaintance sins but you refuse to acknowledge the exact same sin when it is you, your spouse, your children or parents, or your closest friend who commits it.  Your refusal to acknowledge what clearly exists because of your favoritism will lead to you refusing to correct yourself or them and encouraging yourself or them to obey God, which in turn will lead to eternal condemnation (cf. Ezek. 3:17-21).… Read More James: Showing Partiality