The Impact of Words: Mindfulness and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we gather with heavy hearts, aware of the devastation caused by recent storms in the South. Many of our friends and family members are facing significant challenges, including my own son and daughter-in-law in Asheville, North Carolina. As a community, we are called to respond with prayers, open homes, and donations through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. This organization ensures that 100% of your contributions go directly to those in need.
We began our service with a call to worship, emphasizing the importance of generosity, peace, and readiness to serve the Lord. We then affirmed our faith with the Apostles' Creed, a powerful reminder of our shared beliefs. Today was also special because we celebrated a baptism, welcoming Michaela Mann into our Christian family. Baptism is a sacred act that initiates us into Christ's holy church and God's mighty acts of salvation.
Our sermon focused on the power of words, inspired by a passage from James. Words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. I shared a personal story from my childhood to illustrate how deeply words can affect us. James warns us that the tongue, though small, can cause great harm, much like a small flame can set a whole forest on fire. We must be mindful of our words, especially in today's digital age where a careless post or text can cause significant damage.
James also reminds us that those in positions of leadership, like teachers and pastors, will be judged more strictly. Our words carry weight and influence, and we must use them wisely. Practicing mindfulness, speaking life instead of destruction, and seeking forgiveness when we fail are crucial steps in taming our tongues. Ultimately, our words should reflect the love and grace of God, flowing like fresh water from a pure spring.
As we concluded, we welcomed new members into our church family, emphasizing the importance of community and shared mission. We also announced an exciting new sermon series for October, "Stranger Stories," where we will explore some of the more unusual stories in the Bible and their significance.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Words: Words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. A single harmful word can destroy relationships, trust, and reputation. We must be mindful of our words, especially in today's digital age where a careless post or text can cause significant damage. [51:33]
2. Leadership and Accountability: Those in positions of leadership, like teachers and pastors, will be judged more strictly. Our words carry weight and influence, and we must use them wisely. This responsibility extends to all of us, as we all have influence in our families, schools, and workplaces. [56:22]
3. Practicing Mindfulness: Before speaking, take a moment to practice mindfulness. This involves taking a few breaths and centering ourselves, allowing God's Holy Spirit to guide us. James 1:19 advises us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. [01:02:19]
4. Speaking Life, Not Destruction: While sometimes we must say difficult things, how we frame our words can make all the difference. We should aim to speak in ways that produce life and solutions, rather than adding to the problem. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. [01:04:08]
5. Seeking Forgiveness: We will inevitably mess up and say things that hurt others. When this happens, we must seek forgiveness and extend grace to ourselves and others. This opens the door for healing and reconciliation, reflecting the grace that God extends to us. [01:05:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:51] - Personal Story: Son and Daughter-in-Law in Asheville
[16:34] - United Methodist Committee on Relief
[17:30] - Call to Worship
[18:23] - Prayer for Storm Victims
[19:26] - Affirmation of Faith: Apostles' Creed
[31:46] - Introduction to Baptism
[33:02] - Baptism of Michaela Mann
[36:00] - Prayer for Michaela and Family
[37:20] - Congregational Response
[47:50] - Morning Prayer by Children's Pastor
[51:02] - The Power of Words
[53:31] - Scripture Reading: James
[56:22] - Leadership and Accountability
[59:04] - The Tongue as a Small Flame
[01:02:19] - Practicing Mindfulness
[01:04:08] - Speaking Life, Not Destruction
[01:05:37] - Seeking Forgiveness
[01:07:40] - Letting God into Our Hearts
[01:10:34] - Welcoming New Members
[01:16:49] - Upcoming Sermon Series: Stranger Stories
[01:17:49] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
James 3:1-12 (NIV)
> "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the analogies James uses to describe the power of the tongue? ([54:04])
2. According to the sermon, what are the consequences of careless words in today's digital age? ([59:52])
3. How does James describe the dual nature of the tongue in terms of blessing and cursing? ([55:11])
4. What specific advice does James give about listening and speaking in James 1:19, as mentioned in the sermon? ([01:03:12])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James warn that teachers will be judged more strictly, and how does this apply to all of us in our various roles? ([56:22])
2. How can practicing mindfulness before speaking help us control our tongues, according to the sermon? ([01:02:19])
3. What does it mean to "speak life, not destruction," and how can this principle be applied in difficult conversations? ([01:04:08])
4. How does seeking forgiveness when we fail to control our tongues reflect the grace that God extends to us? ([01:05:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when someone's words deeply affected you, either positively or negatively. How did it shape your relationship with that person? ([51:33])
2. In what ways can you practice mindfulness before responding to someone, especially in heated situations? Can you think of a recent example where this could have helped? ([01:02:19])
3. Identify a situation where you need to speak a difficult truth. How can you frame your words to produce life and solutions rather than adding to the problem? ([01:04:08])
4. Have you ever had to seek forgiveness for something you said? How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome? ([01:05:37])
5. Think about your online interactions. Are there any changes you need to make to ensure your words reflect the love and grace of God? ([59:52])
6. How can you be more mindful of the influence your words have in your family, workplace, or community? ([56:58])
7. What steps can you take this week to ensure that your words are a source of blessing rather than cursing? ([55:11])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Words
Words have the power to build up or tear down, to bless or curse. A single harmful word can destroy relationships, trust, and reputation. We must be mindful of our words, especially in today's digital age where a careless post or text can cause significant damage. James warns us that the tongue, though small, can cause great harm, much like a small flame can set a whole forest on fire. Practicing mindfulness, speaking life instead of destruction, and seeking forgiveness when we fail are crucial steps in taming our tongues. Ultimately, our words should reflect the love and grace of God, flowing like fresh water from a pure spring. [51:33]
James 3:5-6 (ESV): "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."
Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words may have caused harm. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends today?
Day 2: Leadership and Accountability
Those in positions of leadership, like teachers and pastors, will be judged more strictly. Our words carry weight and influence, and we must use them wisely. This responsibility extends to all of us, as we all have influence in our families, schools, and workplaces. Being in a position of leadership means that our actions and words are under constant scrutiny, and we must strive to reflect the love and wisdom of Christ in all that we do. Practicing humility and seeking God's guidance can help us navigate the challenges of leadership with grace and integrity. [56:22]
Hebrews 13:17 (ESV): "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
Reflection: Reflect on your role as a leader in your community or family. How can you better use your words to inspire and uplift those you lead?
Day 3: Practicing Mindfulness
Before speaking, take a moment to practice mindfulness. This involves taking a few breaths and centering ourselves, allowing God's Holy Spirit to guide us. James 1:19 advises us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. In our fast-paced world, it is easy to react impulsively, but taking a moment to pause can make a significant difference in how we communicate. Mindfulness helps us to be more present and intentional with our words, ensuring that they align with our values and the teachings of Christ. [01:02:19]
Proverbs 15:28 (ESV): "The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things."
Reflection: Next time you feel the urge to respond quickly, take a moment to pause and breathe. How does this change the way you communicate?
Day 4: Speaking Life, Not Destruction
While sometimes we must say difficult things, how we frame our words can make all the difference. We should aim to speak in ways that produce life and solutions, rather than adding to the problem. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that the tongue has the power of life and death. By choosing our words carefully, we can build others up and contribute to a positive and loving environment. Speaking life means offering encouragement, hope, and constructive feedback, even in challenging situations. [01:04:08]
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you need to address a difficult issue. How can you frame your words to bring life and solutions rather than destruction?
Day 5: Seeking Forgiveness
We will inevitably mess up and say things that hurt others. When this happens, we must seek forgiveness and extend grace to ourselves and others. This opens the door for healing and reconciliation, reflecting the grace that God extends to us. Admitting our mistakes and asking for forgiveness can be challenging, but it is a crucial step in restoring relationships and growing in our faith. By seeking forgiveness, we demonstrate humility and a willingness to make things right, which can lead to deeper connections and understanding. [01:05:37]
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness from today? How can you take the first step towards reconciliation?
Quotes
1. "Every generous act of giving is a tribute to God's love for us. Lord, let us be people of generous and abundant gifts for others. Be ready to listen and slow to react in anger. Lord, prepare us to be peaceful people. Keep your hearts and spirits ready to serve the Lord. Lord, open our hearts to hear and respond to your words of life in ministries of hope and peace." [19:26] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Words have power. And all of us... At one time... At one time in our life have had things that have spoken to us either in anger or in ignorance that have hurt us deeply. Things that we might have carried with us for years and years. You know, I go back to a thing that happened to me in the first grade. We had this assignment that we were supposed to color this apple. It was a whole sheet. It was just one big apple. And so, my mother had told me... That I was the best artist ever. And I believed her." [51:02] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A single harmful word can destroy relationships, trust, and reputation. And it may not be forever. But sometimes when that trust gets broken. Because of somebody's gossip. Because of somebody's careless use of words. It can take years if ever for that to be restored and healed. We have to be very careful with our words. I would say the words that we say. And nowadays in the world that we live in. The words that we also post." [59:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "How many of you have ever fired off a very angry email. That you wish you could get back. I will say I have done that. You know. I've learned that sometimes if you have those things. Maybe it's better to sit with it overnight. Because you might want to change the language. How many of you have gotten a text message. Either you've sent it. Or you've received it. And you know the words were misunderstood. Just be the way they were framed or whatever. And it's caused a huge understanding and a big rift. Because words were used carelessly." [01:00:30] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Sometimes it just takes a beat. Right? Someone says something. And it sparks something in us. And our initial reaction is just to lash out. And say something. Right? You know we get a text from somebody. And we either take it the wrong way. Or maybe we take it the way that it was intended. But our initial response. Is to lash out with anger. It's where mindfulness comes in. You know. And of course. Encased in that. Is a prayerful spirit. But sometimes it just means. Practicing some mindful techniques. Of just sitting there. And taking a few breaths. Taking a moment. To center ourselves. And allow God's Holy Spirit. To guide us." [01:02:19] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The tongue has the power. Of life and death. And we've all had the recipients of this. We've all had people. That have come to us. And critiqued us. Or challenged us. Or told us the truth. But they have told it in a way. That we could receive it. And that there was some hope there. That we could make a change. And move on. And not feel shamed or condemned. We should use the power. Of life that God has given us. In the words that we say. And the things that we post." [01:04:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "No one can tame the tongue. We will mess up. We will say things. That will injure and hurt people. But at the same time. We have a God that forgives us. And guides us. And helps us to grow. To be able to not do that again. But to be able to move into maturity. As Christ followers." [01:06:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We have to let God. In our hearts. The scripture I read to you. Ends this way. The last two verses. Both fresh water and salt water. Don't come from the same spring. Do they? My brothers and sisters. Can a fig tree produce olives? Can a grape vine produce figs? Of course not. And fresh water doesn't flow from salt water. Spring either." [01:07:40] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We find ourselves really you know drawn to those polarizations that are happening now in our culture we're like i'm really get off on getting angry and so i'm gonna stay on these websites and on these posts because it's really you know confirming in me and i'm angry and making you know the other side less than human and so we find ourselves in that and and you know that is really revealing to us about who we are not seeing others as god's children people that might have disagreements with us who may be on the other side than us you know we we tend to vilify them and and you know and want to see them as less than human and yet god's call is for us to see all of his children as those who stand in need of god's grace and in in need of our love and acceptance." [01:08:54] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Go now in God's peace go as God's disciples followers of Jesus who seek to in everything that we say in everything we do everything that we post seek to glorify God and spread his grace go in peace amen." [01:17:49] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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