Words carry WEIGHT.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NIV)
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
We get to choose whether or not we FOLLOW Jesus.
We do not get to choose what it LOOKS like, REACTS like or SOUNDS like.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…
Honesty is making sure what we say is true, it’s not saying everything that is true.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…
We all want to be HEARD & UNDERSTOOD.
James 1:19a (NLT)
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must ALL be quick to listen, slow to speak…
I’m confident that what THEY need to HEAR is what I need to SAY.
Most of us are more dialed into what WE need to SAY more than what OTHERS need to HEAR.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not 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.
INTENT is as important as CONTENT.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not 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.
WORDS are not EQUALLY weighted.
Your WORDS have the potential to WOUND others.
Application Questions:
- WHERE do you have work to do?
- WHO hopes you’ll get to work soon?
Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.