What if we (and others) could "see" our words? Would they be beautiful or ugly? The Bible teaches us that words have power. Once they are spoken, they cannot be called back. Our words can build up or destroy, bless or curse, heal or wound. James warns his community to mind the words that come from their mouths. The words that we speak become part of who we are. Let us each day use the divine gift of speech wisely by blessing, encouraging and healing.

The teaching on divorce is difficult. Married people face many difficulties, and there are times when a marriage comes to an end and cannot be healed. In the time in which Jesus spoke, a man could divorce a woman for the most trivial of reasons, often resulting in disgrace and hardship for her. Marriages were often made and unmade for social or political reasons. Jesus insists that the marriage relationship is sacred and that we should do everything in our power to nurture and treasure it. For that matter, all human relationships are sacred in one way or another. When God is allowed to dwell within a relationship it will flourish. To strengthen marriages and friendships, perhaps we could take James' advice regarding speech. In addition to speaking words of kindness and encouragement, we can also add the magic words "I love you!" more often.