With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
James 3:9-12
During 2026, Peachtree Church is inviting everyone into Cultivate, a churchwide discipleship plan centered on the fruit of the Spirit and the kind of life God longs to grow in us. Throughout the year, we’ll explore how love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control take shape in everyday life through the Spirit’s work. Cultivate brings together worship, Scripture, group guides, and meaningful practices designed to meet you where you are and support growth in ways that fit your season. These twice-weekly devotionals are one way to stay connected, offering reflection and grounding for daily life with God. Whether you engage in many ways or just one, you’re invited to be part of this shared journey of becoming more rooted in who God has created and called you to be.
Devotional
There’s an old French fairy tale by Charles Perrault called “Diamonds and Toads.” In it, there are two daughters, one of whom is kind and sweet-spirited, and one of whom is arrogant and rude. They fall under a spell that makes their words visible. As the kind girl speaks, diamonds and pearls fall from her lips, while the rude sister’s words turn into snakes and toads. The spell makes the effect and quality of their words visible. (Aren’t you glad none of us are under this spell? I know I have spoken a toad or two…this week!)
Pastor James sees that human beings are a real mixed bag. He sees diamonds and toads falling from the same mouths! We praise God our Father with worshipful words and then turn right around and curse out our neighbors (and he reminds us that our neighbors are themselves made in God’s own image, therefore worthy of respect). James advocates for us to be unified in our speech, for good and for God.
You know that expression that you use when someone is talking dirty, “You kiss your mama with that mouth?” James would wholeheartedly approve of that reproof. He uses the impossibility of a spring that puts forth both salt and fresh water, and fruiting trees that put out fruit that isn’t expected from them at all. James wants his Christian congregation members to speak from a pure heart and mind, having self-control over their baser thoughts and words. He knows that with God’s help, the restless tongue can be brought under God’s control.
For Reflection
- What would it be like if our words had a visible appearance? Would it help us to get our tongue under control?
- Are our words and their effects visible to God and others?
- How do others part from us when they have heard what’s in our hearts and minds? Do we lift up others or bring them low with our words?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know about actions having consequences. I don’t always think about the consequences of my words. You spoke words that are remembered to this day, words of healing, challenge, goodness, and mercy. You spoke words that brought good things into being, words that gave life and light. What do my words do? Can you help me channel and control my words so that I bring light and life, too? I pray this, trusting and believing that you can help me. Amen!
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Devotionals