INTRODUCTION
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." It's a cute idiom. But unfortunately, it doesn?t ring true for most people. Words have power. Power to build. Power to destroy. We remember the most encouraging and discouraging words that were spoken to us. And in some way, they have shaped us in both healthy and unhealthy ways. So if words have this life-altering power, why not use them to build others up? Why not use them to benefit those who listen?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What is one of the most encouraging things someone has ever said to you?
- When have you said something to someone and were surprised by how personally encouraged that person was by your words?
- Why are we so affected by the words that people say to us? How do time and context correlate to the impact of other?s words to us?
- Read Ephesians 4:29. How did God design the power of words to be used? Why would God intentionally make words have such life-altering power?
- Who has God placed in your life who needs our words? What do they need to hear us say?
THINK ABOUT IT
Our words have the power to build and expand other people's lives. Our words can affect our kids to make wiser choices. Our words can affect our spouses to make faithful decisions. Our words can affect our employees to work more honestly and diligently. Our words can affect our friends to persevere through difficult circumstances. God has designed the human soul to be powerfully affected by words. This requires us to pay attention to the things that we say and respond accordingly. Are you paying attention to what's coming out of your mouth?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
This week, identify someone who needs to hear an encouraging word from you. Ask yourself, "What does this person need to hear?" Then, write it down for them. And say it to them.
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Don't let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ephesians 4:29