Earlier this week, we read Jesus’ words about the peril of setting ourselves up as judge of other peoples’ hearts and motives (cf. Matthew 7:1-5). The apostle Paul wrote forcefully that we need to trust God to set right what is wrong, rather than trying to do it ourselves (cf. Romans 12:18-21). And James put it bluntly and succinctly: “There is only one lawgiver and judge… you who judge your neighbor, who are you?”

• In Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White, Pastor Hamilton wrote, “[James’ counsel about our words] does not mean we are not to practice discernment. Nor does it mean that we should remain silent in the face of wrongdoing. Yet we can make known our disagreements with others while doing so in love and with respect for the other.” When have you seen disagreement handled in love and with respect? When have you been able to do that yourself?
• As you discuss political candidates, are you ever tempted to use words like “crook,” “weakling,” “drunk,” “womanizer” or “fool” about a candidate when all you really know for sure is that you disagree with one or more of that person’s positions? If you find such words (or dozens of others in the same vein) on the tip of your tongue this fall, remember James’ pointed question: “You who judge your neighbor, who are you?”