It’s week 3 of our series, Level Up, and today, we are discussing the power of our words. While we may tend to think that our words do not have a significant impact, the truth is that our words do, indeed, matter. Our words can bring life to those around us, or they can bring death and tear others down. As followers of Christ, our calling is to use our words to speak life to those around us.
When is a time someone greatly encouraged you with their words?
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1. How have you seen or experienced the impact words can have?
2. Read Proverbs 18:21. How powerful are our words, according to this passage of Scripture?
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
3. Read Ephesians 4:29. According to this passage of Scripture, what should be the purpose of the words we say?
Ephesians 4:29
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
4. Read Matthew 12:33-37. Why must we take seriously the words we say, according to this passage of Scripture?
Matthew 12:33-37
“A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. 36 And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. 37 The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.”
1. After reading the passage of Scripture about words, why should we be careful with the words we speak?
2. How can you use your words to have a positive impact for Christ?
3. What keeps you from using your words wisely?
Spend the next few minutes encouraging each other. Share how you see God working in your group members' lives, how God has specifically gifted you, how they are taking bold steps of faith, and how they are making wise decisions. As you spend the next few minutes encouraging each other, you will experience just how great of an impact our positive, life-giving words can have.
We all want to use our words to have an impact. The question is, how do we take steps to be purposeful with our words so that they bring life? Let's take a few minutes to look at Scripture to see practices we can stop doing or start doing to be intentional with the words we say.
One way to tear others down with our words and stir up conflict and hurt is to gossip. When we gossip, we harm relationships. If we want to use our words to honor Christ, we have to get rid of gossip.
1. Read James 4:11-12.
James 4:11-12
Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. 12 God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?
2. What is the result of gossiping or speaking evil against each other, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. Why should we avoid gossip according to this passage of Scripture?
4. Instead of gossiping, how are followers of Christ called to talk about each other?
One reason we say things we regret is that we speak without thinking. When we rush to talk without putting much thought into our words, we often say things we regret. If we want to speak words that bring life and honor Christ, we must be slow to speak and quick to listen.
1. Read James 1:19.
James 1:19
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
2. Summarize James’ instruction in this passage of Scripture.
3. What is the result of being slow to speak and quick to listen?
4. What is required in order to obey the instruction in James 1:19?
If we want to use our words to have an impact, we have to be truthful. After all, spreading lies with our words brings confusion and disunity and does not reflect God. Take a look at what Scripture teaches about lies.
1. Read Ephesians 4:25.
Ephesians 4:25
So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.
2. What is required to obey the command in this passage of Scripture?
3. What keeps people from telling the truth?
4. Compare the impact of speaking the truth versus the impact of telling lies.
Now that we have looked at how to use our words to have a positive impact and bring life, reflect. Answer these two questions:
1. Which of the three ways to honor God with your words would you like to grow in: stop gossiping, speak slowly and think quickly, or tell the truth?
2. What step can you take to grow in that area?
After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to help each one of you speak words of life that point others to Him.
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