Discussion James 3:1-12
Experiential Activity: Problem Talking
Divide into groups of three people. Two people will have a discussion
about a problem in the community; the third will observe. If you
can’t make even groups of three some groups may need more
than one observer. Hand each group a sample problem to discuss and
give them a couple minutes to prepare. All of the group may read
the description, but only the two should plan how to have the conversation.
The discussion problems should be models of inappropriate ways
we talk about issues in our community. The two most common examples
are likely to be two people evaluating a third person’s inappropriate
behavior, that is, gossip, and person one telling person two that
a third person, not present, doesn’t like their behavior of
person two: triangulation. If you have other examples from your
congregation, and can edit them enough that they are completely
anonymous, they would be appropriate for this exercise. The goal
is to have examples of types of conversations, rather than particular
details of conversations.
Allow five or six minutes for the role play and then recombine
in the large group. Role play is awkward; be sure to stop before
all the groups are done. In the large group post the words Gossip
and Triangulation and ask the group to define them. If you have
used other examples of inappropriate conversation, post those terms
as well.
Take about five more minutes for the observers to describe the
conversations. Focus on the process, not on the content of the speech.
Look for what was effective? And what was not? rather than solving
the actual problem. It is effective for the discussion to turn to
real problems in your community, but stick to the way language and
communication are helping or hindering the issue, rather than the
problem itself. As a group, take another 15 minutes to consider
the following questions:
Discussion Questions
- Why do we use gossip and triangulation so frequently?
- Why is it so hard to confront a problem directly?
- What would happen if we did confront individuals with behavior
we don’t like?
Study the text
Return to small groups, use the same threesomes, or
combine into groups of six. Have one person in each group read aloud
James 2:1-12. Allow a minute of reflection and then ask each person
to share what stood out in the text for them. Read the scripture
aloud again and then handout the commentary for each person. Take
another 20 minutes to discuss these questions:
Discussion Questions
- Can we control our tongues?
- Is control of our tongues sufficient to keep our whole bodies
in check?
- We have talked about triangulation and gossip. How is this
similar to, or different from, cursing one another?
- Is James’ advice meant for teachers or for the whole
community?
- What can our congregation do differently with our tongues in
the coming weeks?
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