June 7, 2026
Sometimes the things we don’t say are as condemning as the things we do say. I remember when my business partner and I went on the ABC Show, Shark Tank. Her last warning to me before we entered the tank was, “Please, turn off your face!” Apparently my face keeps no secrets and tells no lies. I believe that is a failing that can be as hurtful as harsh criticism.
I’m certain I can do better than that. I try to be generous in praise and thanks to friends and family. We need to be grateful for large and small things. Everyone responds well to kindness and appreciation. Make time to visit or reach out to an elderly neighbor or a shut-in. Just as rude speech and careless complaints cause deeper wounds than we can imagine, so thanks and praise enrich hearts and bring new confidence to others.
Peace is always the result of someone’s sacrifice. In human relationships, we sometimes must forgive and be willing to surrender. The offender is aware of the sacrifice and usually becomes convicted. That is how growth and change occur. If we fail to see the truth, if we refuse to surrender, there comes a moment when redemption is no longer available.
Kindness, acceptance and love are the things our Lord has every right to expect from us. Every time I find myself judging, I pull up short. I try to see that person through God’s eyes and immediately my heart changes. If the God of my heart and life loves that person and still stands believing they can and will be Saved, who am I to see them as anything but loved and blessed?
It can be such a trap, doing God’s work. Many times, I have heard revelation or wisdom, faithfully written it down, and then closed my notebook. Tender wisdom does no earthly good once you shut it inside a book of good intentions. If God gives you a word, a prophesy, or a vision, be grateful enough and brave enough to cast it loose into this hurting world.
The Word keeps us tuned in to God and His commandments every day. The book of James is a down to earth, no holds barred Book. If we read from the book of James every day, ONLY James, we would become better human beings. Read the entire Bible, of course. But understand sometimes we need a verbal blast and that is what James left for us. Take it in. Read it often!
Dear God, thank You for the Bible. Thank You for leaving us a manual that addresses the needs, the rules, the convictions and pathways we should learn and follow if we hope to become more like Jesus. Let my patience increase, let my love embrace others, let me see Jesus’ kindness and righteousness in those around me. If they cannot attain His goodness, help me see them through Your eyes, eyes of love and hope without condemnation.
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. James 2:8