NOVEMBER 3, James 3:6

A group of students gathered around the notice board where there was a list of names of those who were picked for various parts for the school play.

“The princess! I just have to get the part of the princess!”, Tess thought as she crowded closer to see. But her name wasn’t anywhere on the list. Miss Lee had picked Jayna to play the princess.

“Jayna’s so braggy about getting the princess part,” Tess grumbled to her friend, Lynn. “With a family like hers, I wouldn’t brag so much.” “What’s the matter with her family?” Lynn asked eagerly. “Well, I heard that Jayna’s father is an alcoholic and her mother has some kind of mental problem.” Tess felt a little guilty about saying those things, but pushed the feeling aside.

“Tess,” said her mom at dinner, a couple of weeks later, “I heard that kids have been avoiding Jayna because of rumours about their family. The story is that her dad is a drunkard and her mum may have to go to a mental institution. Do you know anything about this?”

Tess shrugged and she blushed. “Well, Jayna did say her dad took a drink at a Christmas party,” she murmured. “And she said her mom might… ah… well..”

Dad frowned. “Don’t tell me you started the rumour!” he exclaimed. “Uh… well, I didn’t mean to,” stammered Tess, “but maybe I told… someone else, and…”

“Tess, those things should not have been repeated,” said Mom sternly, “I know the family and those rumours are complete lies!” Dad frowned. “Remember the little fire by the park we read about, not long ago?” he asked. “One little match caused so much trouble! Now one little tongue has done the same thing, and this fire may be harder to put out.”

“Oh, Dad, I’m so sorry,” cried Tess.

“Well, in the morning, you’ll have to go to Jayna to explain and apologise,” Dad told her. “And at school, you’ll have to straighten out the story with anyone you told those rumours to. Even then, you may never be able to repair all the damage you’ve done, but you’ll have to try.” Solemnly, Tess nodded.

Thought: Do you control your tongue? Or does it give you trouble?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may You help me to guard my tongue always. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.