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Good Morning, Church family!

Let's explore the wisdom found in the book of James. Each Scripture is one shared by our Navajo Nation missions team. These verses will encourage us to reflect on our roles within our families, church community, and community at large. 

James 1:19-20

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How well do we practice active listening?
  2. In what ways can we better exemplify patience and understanding when disagreements arise among us?
  3. How can we harness the power of active listening to strengthen our bonds with each other and foster righteousness within our relationships?

James 4:13-15

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow, we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How does our acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over our future endeavors change our thoughts, feelings, and actions?
  2. Are our priorities, habits, and behaviors aligned with God's purposes for our lives, church, and community?
  3. How can we infuse our daily lives with a greater sense of mission and purpose, recognizing life's transient nature?

James 1:26-27

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. In what ways can we ensure our words and actions align with our faith?
  2. How can we better embody pure and faultless religion as described in these verses?
  3. Are there specific ways we can extend our care and support to the vulnerable and marginalized in our local and global communities?

James 1:16-18

"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can we consistently remind ourselves of the source of every good and perfect gift?
  2. In what ways can we express gratitude for God's unchanging nature and the blessings we receive?
  3. How might recognizing God's unwavering love inspire us to share these gifts with others and engage in acts of service?

James 4:11-12

"Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can we foster a culture of love and respect within our families, church, and community, refraining from slander and judgment?
  2. What steps can we take to encourage each other's spiritual growth without passing judgment?
  3. How does our treatment of one another reflect the love and grace of our one true Judge?

James 5:7-8

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can we embody patience and steadfastness, especially when facing challenges?
  2. In what ways can we encourage each other to endure with hope while awaiting the Lord's coming?
  3. How might our collective patience and endurance become a testament to the nearness of God's kingdom and inspire outreach beyond our congregation?

James 3:17-18

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How can we actively seek and apply heavenly wisdom within our families, church, and community to promote purity, peace, and mercy?
  2. In what ways can we serve as peacemakers, fostering unity and harmony among our members?
  3. How does cultivating heavenly wisdom enable us to sow seeds of peace that extend beyond our church walls, contributing to a harvest of righteousness in our broader community?

As we contemplate these verses from the book of James, may we find inspiration to strengthen our bonds within our family, church family, and community. Let's remember the importance of active listening, aligning our priorities with God's mission, and embodying pure and faultless religion. Additionally, let's look outward and consider how our unity and wisdom can contribute to a more missional focus, spreading God's love and truth to those beyond our congregation.