The Vine: Jan. 29, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.”
“How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue – a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs?
No more can salt water yield fresh.”
Early in my ministry I was delivering the announcements at the beginning of a worship service. It was a small congregation in a small town where everyone knew everyone, and not just that, everyone knew everyone else’s business. I shared with the congregation that one of our members, Helen, was sick and not feeling well. What I meant to say was, “Please keep Helen in your prayers. She is not feeling well. I know she would appreciate a visit from any of you. If you have time this week, head over to the nursing home and say hello to Helen.” But here is what came out of my mouth unintentionally, “Please keep Helen in your prayers. She is not feeling well. I know she would appreciate a visit from any of you. If you have time this week, head over to the funeral home and say hello to Helen.” Funeral home! Uh oh!
There were audible gasps heard throughout the sanctuary, and my first thought was, “How on earth can I gracefully transition out of this?” The answer is I couldn’t. Helen was a long-time member of that community and church, and I had just prematurely sent her to the funeral home. Even though I corrected the information, later that day the talk around town was that Helen had died.
Words have power. Sometimes we unintentionally say things and it can cause quite a stir. Other times we know exactly what we are saying and later regret our words. Perhaps it was something we said out of our own anxiety, fear, or anger, but once the word is spoken it is spoken. It’s like squeezing toothpaste out of the tube. Once it’s out of the tube it’s impossible to get it back in.
We have all been there – it’s called being human. In our passage today James said, “For all of us make many mistakes.” How true it is. When it comes to the things, we say that we wish we wouldn’t have said, we need to extend ourselves some forgiveness and grace. We also need to offer that same forgiveness and grace to those who have hurt us with their words. Most of us have heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Not true! Words can hurt.
On the other hand, words have the amazing power to encourage, inspire, and build up. It’s been said that every conversation is a construction zone where words can build up or tear down. Instead of thinking about the potential negative effects of our words, what if we considered the opportunity, we have each day to speak encouragement and positivity into the world? Today is a gift from God. Appreciate this day and share a good word with those you encounter.
Questions for Reflection
Recall a time when you said something you wish you hadn’t said. What were the consequences? How did you help repair the relationship that was affected by the words?
How can we more readily be in a place where we can forgive ourselves and others for words that have hurt?
When have you been encouraged by someone else’s words? What did he or she say to you? What difference did it make in your life?
Is there someone in your life you can encourage this week with a spoken word?
Prayer:
“Loving God, we thank you for this day and the opportunity to serve others. We realize that we can love and serve you by loving and serving others, but we also recognize we can do the same with our words. Help us to nurture our souls in such a way that we can more naturally speak words of encouragement and hope into the world. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen”
Have a great week!
In Christ,
Brad
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine