James

In chapter one, James says, “consider it pure joy” when you face trials. According to Jesus’ brother, we should be thrilled when we face temptation. Not because the temptation is fun, but because it will strengthen our faith. Every time you face temptation, you are given an opportunity to grow stronger. Your response to temptation reveals your true colors. The more you fight temptation, the greater your integrity grows.

Has a heated conversation ever made you wish you had a time machine? Sometimes, the moment words spill out of our mouths, we wish we could take them back. Our words have the power to wound the people we love most. Conversations have the power to change the direction of a relationship. How many times have you said something you regret? A dozen? A thousand? It’s time to tame our tongues.

Before sinning, most people think “Is anyone going to know I did this?” James proposes that instead, we ask, “Is this the right thing to do?” If your primary concern is being caught, then you have already failed the integrity test. When you live with integrity, then your character remains constant. It is the same on Friday night as it is on Sunday morning. It is the same in your group chat as it is in small group. James calls us to live a life of character, not to play a character.

Sin and guilt work together in secret. They weigh you down, burn you out, and keep you up. That is why James offers a life-giving action toward emotional healing — confession. I hear you. Yes, it’s hard, but it’s healthy. Confessing your sins to someone, even a trusted friend, is uncomfortable and awkward. It requires vulnerability, trust, and humility. However, as we push past the discomfort, healing is on the other side.