10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. 11 Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. (James 3:10-12 CSB)
Todays scripture paints a picture of the fact that good and evil should not come from the same place. If we try to praise God with our mouth and utter cursers to others how can we say we are growing in our faith. Yes, the flesh can take over, but we must be diligent to watch what we say and ask the Spirit for control.
We have all dealt with people who just seem to have nothing good to say about anyone. I have had customers who could not be pleased. Contrary people are all around us. But should this make us contrary too? No! We must work to find ways to be humble and supportive even when others are not being this way toward us.
This is in no way easy. Our own human nature wants to lash out and have our say, gain a fair balance. But there are those who a fair balance does not exist. It is here where we have to decide to be “the bigger man.” Everyone’s motives are manifest in their actions. They may think they are hiding it well, but it becomes evident. When we understand another’s motives we can do more to reconcile ourselves to them. This requires less of self and more of God.
