Sometimes parents will tell their children not to do certain things. But such prohibitions are motivated by love. These negative commands are to ensure a positive outcome. A good biblical example of this is the list of thou shalt nots in the Ten Commandments. In this section, James gives his audience a few negative instructions so they can have a positive life.

I. Do Not Grumble

II. Do Not Back Down

III. Do Not Give Up

IV. Do Not Speak Hastily

Talk with God: Meditate on 1 John 2:5-6 and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of your life that don’t reflect your love for the Lord.

Talk with others: Ask a friend or member of your Connect Group how you can pray for them as they seek to align their lives to God’s Word.

Talk with kids: What were the believers doing while Peter was in prison?

Negative Commands for a Positive Life