James

Paul called James a pillar or leader in the church in Jerusalem. Read Galatians 2:9. James loved what was good and right. He cared for the poor people. And he always helped the widows and children who didn’t have any parents. Rich people didn’t like him, because he didn’t keep quiet when they did wrong.

1:12

Christians don’t always have an easy life. James tells us not to be discouraged. We must keep going when life is hard. If we keep going, God has promised that we will receive the crown of life. Our prize is being with God in heaven. And that will be forever.

Think about people you know who are already with the Lord. They have already received their crowns.

Thinky would like to know what you learned from them. Write it down and thank the Lord for their example.

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1:19-25

James tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. We shouldn’t speak before we think. We must remember God’s Word and do what it says. We should also try not to get angry because then we certainly can’t listen.

1:22-25

In the time of James, people only used small handheld mirrors. They were mostly made from polished metals such as bronze, copper, silver, or gold. The Romans made a convex mirror. But the image produced by any of these mirrors wasn’t perfect. Many people look in a mirror. But then they go away and forget what they have seen. This also happens when people read the Bible. They believe what it says is true. But then they go away and forget everything they have read.

1-2

James shows us how to live a godly life.

2:1-4

Inny has noticed this about some people. They often choose to be with people who have nice clothes and nice things. And they never choose to be with people who don’t have nice clothes and nice things.

James says that these outward things aren’t important at all.

Do this today. Look at the way people are treated. Are people who don’t look very nice and wear old clothes treated differently than other people? Then think about what James says and whether this is the right way to act.

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3:5-8

When we are angry, we sometimes want to shout and break things. We are like a fire destroying everything in its path.

Crafty says this doesn’t change things. When you are angry with someone, try this. Take a deep breath and don’t say a word. Walk away and wait until you feel calmer. Then ask the person if you may explain. Be polite and try to tell the person why you were angry. Give the person a chance to explain their side of the matter. Work out a thoughtful and kind solution.

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3:1-12

People can control many things. They can make a horse obey them by harnessing it. They can steer a ship using a small rudder. They can make a huge fire from a small spark.

But people find it hard to control their tongues, even though a tongue is very small. James says you need to learn to control your tongue.

3:13-18

What is a wise person like? James says that you can see wisdom in the way a person acts. You can see it in their deeds. Wise people obey God. They speak the truth. They aren’t proud and don’t brag. They are fair and sincere always showing love and mercy. They think about the other person. And they show the fruit of the Spirit. See Galatians 5:22 for the list.

James 1:5 tells us that wisdom comes from God. He gives it freely to anyone who asks. So this is all you need to do. Ask God for it and He will give it to you.

3:10-12

Talky knows that praise and cursing can come out of the same mouth. We can curse in many ways. We say curse words. We also say bad things about other people and we are rude to people. We use our words to hurt people instead of encouraging them.

Think of ways in which you can encourage your friends and family with your words. Try to encourage each one of them at least once today.

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5:13

What must we do when we are happy? James 5:13 suggests singing songs of praise.

Think of ten things that you can praise and thank the Lord for.

Hummy feels sure that you can name many more than ten.

Now think of some songs that mention the things on your list. Sing some of these songs.

Then make a habit of starting each day singing a few songs of praise. It will help you have a joyful heart!

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