InPerspective

James 4:1-3

Interpersonal conflict rears its ugly head in the family, in the workplace, and even in the church. The epistle of James says, "What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?" How can we biblically address, resolve, and avoid personal conflict with others, by dealing biblically with the conflict that is present within every one of us?

James 4:1-3

One of the greatest masterpieces of world literature is Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. Well, as the story of your life unfolds, there may be several chapters with much war and conflict in your interpersonal relationships, and very little peace. What are the causes, and the cure, for the conflict and disharmony that can poison our relationships inside and outside the church?

James 3:13-18

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, "Be careful how you live, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil." In God's eyes, the so-called wisdom of the world is foolish, earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. God commands us to live by His divine wisdom from heaven – pure, peaceable, gentle, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:13-18

An Ivy League education or a PhD may make you intelligent and wise by the world's standards – but James sets forth a very different criteria for wisdom in God's eyes: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." We must study the Word of God to discover the wisdom of God, and then apply it to every area of life.

James 3:1-12

Children can say, "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me" – but in reality, our words possess incredible power to either tear down and destroy, or to uplift and edify. We must remember that careless and malicious speech can cause great damage and destruction, while the ability to control the tongue is a sure sign of spiritual maturity and godly character.

John 16:7-15

An astronaut venturing outside his space station relies on his lifeline to keep him tethered to safety. Join Dr. Harry Reeder on InPerspective as he tells about the two spiritual lifelines God has given us to rely upon for our survival as Christians.

James 3:1-12

One tiny spark can set off a raging forest fire that can cause incredible damage and destruction. In the same way, careless or malicious words can destroy reputations, emotionally scar another person for years, and create havoc and misery in numerous lives. We must realize the awesome power of the tongue, and rely on the Holy Spirit for the power to control our speech for the glory of God.

James 3:1-2

The tongue has great potential for good or evil – to either spread bitterness, division, and false doctrine, or to praise, bless, encourage, uplift, and promote sound teaching. Therefore, teachers and elders in the church of Jesus Christ must be especially diligent to cultivate Christlike control of their communication and speech, in their sacred responsibility as overseers of the souls under their care.

James 3:1-2

People can tell a great deal about your heart by the words that come out of your mouth. In other words, what you say says a lot about you. The constant subjection of our speech to biblical scrutiny and the control of the Holy Spirit is not only a worthwhile goal for every Christian – it is especially important for those who would be teachers and spiritual leaders in the church of Jesus Christ.

James 2:14-26

The Bible declares that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. But James warns us that there is such a thing as a dead faith that is not accompanied by good works for the glory of God. This type of so-called faith is useless and cannot save anyone, while genuine faith by which we are justified before God is a faith that also produces good works and spiritual fruit.