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CONTROLLING THE TONGUE
TALKING TO GOD
Thank God for His Word and for making you in His image. Take turns offering a prayer of praise for the many ways God has gifted you to communicate with each other.
DIVING IN
If possible, build a fire and enjoy the warmth together. If not, then simply recall a time when you enjoyed the warmth of a fire — whether during a special winter gathering or during a summer camping trip. Take turns describing your favorite fireside memories.
GOING DEEPER
The fireside memories that you cherish have one thing in common: control. Any fire that is out of control is far from a cherished memory because it is extremely dangerous. James, the brother of Jesus, teaches about the importance of watching your words. He writes, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark" (James 3:5). If left uncontrolled, your words have the potential to cause great damage, just as a spark can ignite a terrible fire. You keep fire contained to protect your family from harm; in the same way, you can exercise self-control in your choice of words to avoid hurting others.
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
- What do you think James meant when he said that the tongue makes "great boasts"? Give some examples.
- How have you experienced the hurt that can come from a few "out of control" words?
- How can you be careful in your communication so you don't hurt others?
TALKING TO GOD
Thank God for His Word and for making you in His image. Take turns offering a prayer of praise for the many ways God has gifted you to communicate with each other.
DIVING IN
If possible, build a fire and enjoy the warmth together. If not, then simply recall a time when you enjoyed the warmth of a fire — whether during a special winter gathering or during a summer camping trip. Take turns describing your favorite fireside memories.
GOING DEEPER
The fireside memories that you cherish have one thing in common: control. Any fire that is out of control is far from a cherished memory because it is extremely dangerous. James, the brother of Jesus, teaches about the importance of watching your words. He writes, "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark" (James 3:5). If left uncontrolled, your words have the potential to cause great damage, just as a spark can ignite a terrible fire. You keep fire contained to protect your family from harm; in the same way, you can exercise self-control in your choice of words to avoid hurting others.
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
- What do you think James meant when he said that the tongue makes "great boasts"? Give some examples.
- How have you experienced the hurt that can come from a few "out of control" words?
- How can you be careful in your communication so you don't hurt others?
Scripture
About this Plan
Although we may agree that self-control is a positive character trait, learning to temper our cravings and control our behavior can be difficult and, frankly, not much fun. In this five-day plan, you and your children will be challenged to consider how God’s desire is not to deny us, but to protect us. Each day includes a prayer prompt, brief Scripture reading and explanation, hands-on activity, and discussion questions.
More
From Focus on the Family's www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion. © [2011] [Janine Petry]. Used by permission. For more information, please visit: www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion.
