BAPTISM SUNDAY!
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April 19, 2026
Godly Disrespect
Message Notes
The War of Whiskers?
The "War of the Whiskers" (c. 1152–1453) is a jocular term for the long-standing conflict between medieval France and England, triggered when King Louis VII of France refused to shave his beard, a fashion he adopted during the Crusades. His wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, demanded he shave, and upon his refusal, she annulled their marriage, subsequently marrying Henry II of England.
The War of Jenkins' Ear
The War of Jenkins' Ear (1739–1748) was a conflict between Britain and Spain sparked by the 1731 severing of British captain Robert Jenkins' ear by Spanish coast guards, used by politicians to incite public outrage. It was fueled by trade disputes and smuggling in the Caribbean. The war, which became part of the larger War of Austrian Succession, resulted in minimal gains.
True Story of the Incident
- The Incident (1731): Welsh mariner Robert Jenkins was commanding the brig Rebecca in the Caribbean when Spanish coast guard officer Juan de Leon Fandino intercepted the ship. Accusing Jenkins of smuggling, Fandino and his crew looted the ship and sliced off one of Jenkins' ears, telling him to take it to King George II.
- The Propaganda: Jenkins allegedly kept his severed ear (possibly pickled in a jar) and, upon returning to England, presented it to Parliament in 1738 to highlight Spanish brutality and trade interference.
- The Conflict: Despite the story being seven years old and likely embellished, it created a massive scandal, allowing political opponents of Prime Minister Robert Walpole to demand war. Britain declared war on Spain on October 23, 1739.
The Pause Questions
Use the Grow Circle to work through these questions.
#1: (DIG) – What is James actually confronting? James warns against speaking against one another. Where do I most often see this happening—in my conversations, my thoughts, or even online?
#2. (DISCERN) – What is happening in my heart? When I speak critically or negatively about someone, what is usually driving it—hurt, pride, insecurity, frustration, or something else?
#3: (DISCERN) – Am I stepping into God’s role? James says that when we judge others, we place ourselves over the law. In what situations am I tempted to act like the judge instead of trusting God as the only true Judge?
#4: (DECIDE) – What needs to change? Is there a relationship or situation where my words (spoken or unspoken) have been
tearing someone down rather than building them up? What would it look like to choose humility and restraint there?
#5 (DO) – How can I respond differently this week? What is one intentional way I can use my words this week to bring life—
encouragement, truth in love, or peace—instead of criticism or judgment?
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