Share a time when you said something stupid or embarrassing.
My Big Fat Mouth
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. – James 3:3
James is using the example of how a bit can turn a horse to show how our words can turn our lives. How do our words shape the direction of our life?
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. – James 3:5-6
Share an example of how you have seen someone’s life set on fire by their words?
Why are we often surprised when our words cause a big problem?
Setting a fire
We have talked about 4 ways we can set fires with our mouths: complaining, criticizing, lying, and gossiping.
Which of these do you tend to struggle with the most?
Share a time when one of these caused you a lot of problems.
Everyone agrees that is it is not ok to hurt people. Why do we then choose to hurt people with our words?
Jesus said “The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart” – Matthew 15:18
What do you think are the heart issues behind these four sins of the mouth?
Getting more personal
Who has significantly impacted your life with their words? Were the words that shaped you positive or negative?
In which relationship do you most often find yourself losing control of your mouth? Have you faced any relational consequences as a result?