The epistle of James is concerned with living faith. A Faith that has come as the result of our new birth through the word of Truth (1:18). This word, that has given us new birth, is to govern the whole Christian life - James says we are to “humbly accept the word planted in you” and to “do what it says”. James spends much of his letter unpacking what this looks like both in word and deed. James 3:1 - 12 focuses on words. His big idea is that your words should draw from, and reflect, the word of truth planted within you. This means your words should build up and bring life, rather than tear down and bring death and destruction. James knows this is much easier said than done, he is aware that we still struggle with sin, and that our hearts are prone to wonder. What then must we do? We must harness the power of the tongue and let it be guided by the very word of truth that is now within us.
