Scripture Passage: James 3: 9-12: 9

The Nature of a Curse
The word for “curse” is literally “wishing evil.” Sometimes we think of cursing as synonymous with cussing, but it’s more than that. It might be done with eloquent words, but the curse drowns out even the good things said. Also, the absence of a blessing is a curse.

Table Talk: Share with others how you might have suffered by someone “wishing evil” upon you through words spoken. How did that make you feel? Will that help you to speak blessings instead of cursing?

The Power of a Blessing
To give a blessing is to give honor by intentionally ascribing God’s promise to another.

This definition talks about intentionality. It doesn’t happen by accident. We must be intentional with our blessing. Remember though that the blessing of people flows from our blessing the Lord.

Two important conclusions:
• Every one of us needs to receive by faith the blessing God has for us. He made you to love you. And he saved you to bless you.
• You were made to bless others. You were given the power to bless.

Table Talk:
• Share how God blesses you. Can you speak of His love?
• Who would God want you to bless today? Talk about your habit, or lack of a habit to bless those around you.
• Talk about the correlation between loving God and loving people. (See Matthew 22: 36-40)