Ironically this same tongue can be both an instrument of blessing to our Lord and Father and a weapon that hurls curses upon others who are created in God’s own image.
James 3:9 VOICE

His name was Bill, and he was a tough one to love.

I can’t for the life of me remember the purpose of the class we attended together as seniors in high school, but I can describe in detail the way the desks were lined up on only two sides of the room, the windows placed high along one wall, the consistent din outside our door from band members practicing for game nights and pep rallies, and the familiar scent of paper and books and cafeteria menus.

Bill sat one row to my right, in a desk that allowed him to easily glare at those who often ridiculed him. You see, Bill was brilliant,…