The Power of Words: Building Up, Not Tearing Down

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Words

Words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to heal or to hurt. They can be a source of life or a source of death. The Bible reminds us of the power of our words and encourages us to use them wisely.

Proverbs 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation you had. Were your words used to build up or tear down the other person? How can you ensure your words align with God's truth in future conversations?

Day 2: The Role of Faith in Our Speech

Our faith should influence every aspect of our lives, including our speech. The words we speak should reflect the love, grace, and truth of God.

Ephesians 4:29 - "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: How does your faith influence your speech? Can you recall a time when you replaced unwholesome talk with words that glorify God and build others up?

Day 3: The Responsibility of Our Speech

We have a responsibility to use our words wisely. Our words can bless others, but they can also cause harm. We must be mindful of the impact of our words.

James 3:10 - "From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

Reflection: How have you used your words to bless others recently? Are there instances where you've used your words in a way that you now regret? How can you make amends?

Day 4: The Healing Power of Words

Words have the power to heal. They can bring comfort, encouragement, and hope. We should strive to use our words to bring healing to others.

Proverbs 16:24 - "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

Reflection: Can you think of a time when your words brought healing or comfort to someone? How can you be more intentional about using your words for healing in the future?

Day 5: The Destructive Power of the Tongue

The tongue, though small, can cause great harm. Like a small spark that sets a forest on fire, our words can cause damage that is difficult to repair.

James 3:5 - "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!"

Reflection: Reflect on a time when your words caused harm, like a small spark setting a forest on fire. How can you strive to tame your tongue and prevent such harm in the future?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, I was reminded of the power of words and the importance of using them wisely. The speaker used the analogy of a crumpled piece of paper to illustrate how our words can leave lasting marks on others, even if we try to smooth things over later. The message emphasized the need to always speak to others in a positive and uplifting manner, following the example of Jesus. The speaker challenged us to be people who build others up rather than tear them down.

In the second part of the sermon, the speaker focused on the power of the tongue and its potential for both good and harm. The speaker warned against the misuse of words, particularly in the context of teaching and leading others. The sermon emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a teacher or leader, as their words can steer an entire faith community. The speaker also highlighted the destructive power of words, comparing them to a wildfire that can cause extensive damage once it's set off.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

1. "With the power of language we are able to create whole worlds of meaning which can structure, which can be structured according to the word of truth from God. Or it can create a universe of meaning in which the truth of God is omitted or ignored." - 46:04

2. "In our speech it is not the symptoms we are to treat rather the cause, it is not just to try really hard to be nice but to undergo a transformation of heart and character. Evil talk is replaced with glorifying worship that stems from a newness welling up within us, a genuine humanity in tune with God and His ways." - 51:25

3. "You have gifted us with the ability to speak life just as useful life unlike your other creation. You have made us in your image with reason and conscience with logic and language." - 53:23

4. "As God is relational, he made us to be relational. As he is creative, he made us to be creative. He gave us a higher order of consciousness and ways of thinking he gave us free will. Ways to express ourselves, he gave us a gift of language, reason and logic and imagination." - 37:06

5. "We pray especially for there to be peace soon in Ukraine. Let this war come to an end, we pray and let other conflicts come to an end too, we ask. Whether between countries or people groups or even within families." - 57:20

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