Our words can speak life or death-we get to choose.
Talking Points:
- The tongue is a practical example of the dangers of fractured faith: praising Jesus on Sunday and gossiping, belittling, and slandering the other six days. James 3:3-10
- Godly wisdom is demonstrated through carefully chosen words. Understanding the power of words, you speak words of life, not death. James 3:17-18, Ephesians 4:29
- Use the WORD acronym:
- Work through your emotions
- Order your thoughts
- Remember biblical principles
- Deliver the message
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a time your words did damage to someone you care about or share a time someone’s words did damage to you. Why are words so powerful?
- Read James 3:3-10. Why is the tongue so wicked and hard to control? How is the tongue such an obvious indicator of what’s in your heart?
- Read James 3:17-18. Identify all the traits of godly wisdom mentioned in these verses. How can you do better at choosing your words wisely?
- Read Ephesians 4:29. What do you think it means that your words should benefit others? What does that look like when you have to confront someone?
- Review the WORD acronym. What happens when you just act on your emotions with no thought? Why is it important to order your thoughts before expressing something?
- Make a list of other biblical principles that apply to how you should use your words in relationships.
- Moving forward, how will you avoid a fractured approach with your words- lifting up Jesus on Sundays but tearing down people the other six days?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
