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We are taking a break for the summer until futher notice.

Week 8 - Day 4

Read James 4:11-12.

1. How do you see these verses relate in the context of the verses that precede them?

Stronger Jeans (optional): Read Lev. 19:15-18, James 4:11-12, and James 2:8. How do they relate?

2. What reasons does James give as to why we should not slander or speak against each other?

3. How does Mt. 7:1-5 relate to what James says here?

The NET Bible translates James 4:11 “Do not speak against one another” while the NIV uses the word “slander” and the KJV says “speak evil”.

Keddie explains that this doesn’t just refer to verbal abuse, but that it includes more:

What the law calls defamation of character and what we call smearing another’s good name, or character-assassination. It is every statement that is made with the purpose of belittling someone, or besmirching his or her reputation, and encompasses everything from out-and-out lies to veiled innuendoes, and even includes true statements when these are told only to hurt the person about whom they are made.

4. Sharing Question: Have you ever been the brunt of that kind of speech? Without sharing the details of who said what, share with your group how it made you feel.

5. Responding to God: Write a prayer confessing any of the kinds of speaking against others that Keddie described. According to Mt. 5:21-24, you may need to go to someone and ask for forgiveness.

2 comments:

Christina Ketchum said...

I have changed a lot in the past 10 years and my entire family sees me with new and forgiving eyes; all except one family member. It was difficult but I finally realized that I can't control anyone's opinion of me. All I can do is love them and love God and let things sort out over time.

Anonymous said...

I have been the source of it as well as the brunt of it. I'm still relying on God as I work on this area and be humble in all things as well as forgive.