The aftermath of taking communion:
Matthew: starts with Jesus, wise men, John the Baptist (3:3 – we should go into the wilderness), Jesus heals the multitudes, Jesus teaches the beatitudes (5: 3-4,7- The Lord has shown us so much mercy, we should show others mercy), Jesus tells us to go the second mile (5:39-41), Jesus teaches us to pray (6:14).
If you took a nonbeliever through these passages, it would not make sense to them. The difference is; we have the Spirit of God that dwells in us.
A good prayer that has helped me to put things in perspective with my faith is “Lord, use me”
God has provision for his people in these days. We should seek to grow in faith so we can offer things to others. Healing is another way that we should be seeking to use as a ministry to each other and non-Chirstians
Throughout the week, press into God so that you can prepare yourself to hear the words that are spoken.
V17 The greater theme of the tongue is making peace. Peace goes beyond living at peace with God, we must also be at peace with believers and ultimately the world. One of the greatest pathways for peace is the tongue.
Tongue:
The more words you say the easier it is to stumble. This is why we should pray for those who teach and speak. God will strengthen the sharing of His word if we ask him.
James describes the tongue as a bridle or a rudder. Consider where you are going to be down the line (6 months, 3 years, 10 years). This will depend in part by what you speak. 1 Corinthians 9:8-12
We should pray for an increase in grace for our words
James also says the tongue is a fire. The fire can destroy things, we must be sober that our tongue can cause lasting damage.
The gift of tongues, although we have control, bypasses the mind.
We must yield our hearts and mouths to the Spirit because no one can simply know what they are going to say.
V 13-18 In addition to the prayer to yield, is that the person who is learning to live their life is learning to speak the things of God.