James 3 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what they say, they are a perfect person, able also to bridle their whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!

Has your tongue ever started a forest fire? Hurt someone by saying something you didn’t really mean? Or worse, saying something you did mean in the most hurtful way possible. It’s amazing how something so relatively small can get us into so much trouble. We are complex people with thoughts, plans, and opinions. And if everyone just agreed that your way is the best way, or that your opinion was the only correct opinion then the world would be such a better place.

Unfortunately, we all make mistakes. Sometimes you are going to have a bad—maybe soften it to an uninformed—opinion. It is in these times we disagree that it is so important to have as our focus, being people of grace and peace. Blessed are the peace makers because most of us choose fighting. We fight because our need to be right outweighs our willingness to listen.

This week, like every week, you’re probably going to hear someone talking like they’re trying to set the forest ablaze. When you do, make a choice. You do not need to add fuel to their fire. You do not need to show them up by starting a bigger fire of your own. Yes, we are called to confront injustice and lies, but we need to find a way to do it in love.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Even someone else’s bad opinion.