Faithful on Fridays Blog

1:19-2:7

There’s an approach to criticism called the ‘sandwich technique’ that Pastor James used when writing to his church family, they’re beloved brothers, that’s the top layer of bread: positive feedback. James lets his congregation know he loves and appreciates them before he delivers the filling for the sandwich: constructive criticism. He finishes this section with the bottom layer of encouragement by repeating for the fourth time, they’re brothers and sisters of faith. Let’s look at the filling.

Whether James listened to his brother Jesus when He taught The Word or heard others teaching it, his criticism is undeniable. The warning: be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. In fact, the Greek word to ‘hear’ is our word ‘acoustics’; as we intentionally listen to others, it slows our response times, and often tenderizes our words. While we sharpen our acoustics in conversations or discussions God gives us wisdom leading to righteous behavior and not anger. We control our minds (remember ‘counting’ is ruling our thoughts) by rejecting those angry or critical words toward others in disagreement with us. 

Instead of allowing our mouths to control us, we ask for God’s Word to be planted in our souls; that’s our minds, wills, emotions, attitudes, motivations. Soul in Greek is psukee where we get the word psyche or psycho. When we vomit out destructive words we’re acting like a spiritual psycho and this pastor clearly warns his congregation to get rid of them! Don’t forget that we have the Holy Spirit helping us control evil behavior, He’s the pneuma (Spirit) of God, our pneumatic driver enabling us to hit the mark of holiness and spiritual maturity.

This shepherd/pastor encourages his flock not to simply listen to a message and walk away unchanged, but to put action to what they heard. Being a ‘doer of the Word’ means you pursue whatever God puts on your heart with a promised (vs. 25) blessing for following through. The Greek word for ‘doer’ is where we get the word ‘poetry’; when we obey God’s leading it’s like a beautiful poem to Him. Look into the mirror as you reflect on your words and deeds noticing if you’re a doer or hearer only; that’s the way to practice true religion: loving people.   

If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” John 13:17 

His second criticism is partiality in our churches. That’s judging people based on ‘face value’: how they look or sound without really knowing them. As you read Chapter Two look in that pesky mirror again evaluating your own heart; we are all heirs of the kingdom whether rich or poor, sharing faith in Christ. 

We are beloved brothers and sisters (2:5), that bottom layer of our sandwich: encouragement. 

Take to heart Jesus’ teaching from Luke 6:46-49 to be wise, not foolish believers by hearing and doing His Word like a house built on rock … not sand. Hope you enjoyed your sandwich.