The Power of Words: Speaking with Love and Respect
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. It's wonderful to gather in God's house to worship, pray, and sing together. Today, we have several announcements, including our team heading downtown to serve the homeless, our upcoming 65th anniversary celebration on October 6th, and a scam prevention seminar for seniors that I am organizing. Additionally, our new bishop, Bishop Harvey, will be visiting on October 17th, and I encourage everyone to attend.
As we transition into our time of worship, we begin with a prayer, asking God to help us feel His presence and to make our worship pleasing to Him. We then move into a children's message where we discuss the power of our muscles, particularly focusing on the tongue as the most powerful muscle because of its ability to speak both good and harmful words.
Today's sermon continues our series on "Argue Like a Christian," focusing on how Christians should control what they say. Drawing from James 3, we explore the metaphor of the tongue being like a rudder that steers a ship, emphasizing the immense power of our words. James uses several metaphors to illustrate this point: a bit in a horse's mouth, a small rudder guiding a large ship, and a small spark igniting a forest fire. These images highlight how something seemingly insignificant can have a profound impact.
James also warns that our words can both bless and curse, revealing the true nature of our hearts. This duality calls us to be mindful of how we speak, especially in heated discussions or debates. Our words should reflect our Christian values, showing love and respect even when we disagree. The way we speak can either build relationships or tear them down, and it is crucial to use our tongues to convey God's love and truth.
In conclusion, as Christians, we are called to be excellent listeners, to disagree gently, to value our opponents, and to control our words. By doing so, we can use our tongues to bless others and share the good news of Jesus Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of the Tongue: The tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bless or curse, build up or tear down. James 3 likens it to a rudder that steers a ship, emphasizing the significant impact our words can have on others and ourselves. We must be mindful of how we use this powerful tool. [48:23]
2. Words Reveal the Heart: Our words are a window into our soul, revealing our true nature and intentions. James 3:9-11 reminds us that the same mouth can both bless and curse, showing the duality within us. This calls for self-examination and a commitment to speak words that reflect our Christian values. [55:40]
3. Building Relationships Through Words: Effective communication in any relationship starts with showing genuine care and respect. Before diving into deep or controversial topics, we should establish a connection that demonstrates our love and concern for the other person. This approach aligns with the Christian call to love our neighbors and even our enemies. [59:35]
4. The Role of Listening: Being an excellent listener is foundational to Christian dialogue. James 1:19 advises us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. By listening first, we show respect and humility, setting a positive tone for any conversation, especially those involving disagreements. [45:33]
5. Gentle Disagreement: Christians are called to disagree gently, reflecting the fruits of the Holy Spirit, including gentleness. This means engaging in discussions not to win or hurt the other person but to share ideas and love meaningfully. Recognizing the value of the other person, even in disagreement, is crucial. [46:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[6:59] - Scam Prevention Seminar Announcement
[10:26] - Bishop Harvey's Upcoming Visit
[11:46] - Opening Prayer
[23:56] - Children's Message: The Power of the Tongue
[40:42] - Offering and Credit Card Processor Update
[44:23] - Introduction to "Argue Like a Christian" Series
[45:33] - Christians as Excellent Listeners
[46:41] - Disagreeing Gently
[48:23] - Controlling What We Say
[49:56] - Metaphors of the Tongue: Bit, Rudder, Fire
[55:40] - Words Reveal the Heart
[57:14] - Practical Advice on Words and Relationships
[59:35] - Building Relationships Through Words
[01:00:26] - The Impact of Words in Modern Communication
[01:01:04] - Conclusion and Call to Use Words for Good
[01:05:37] - Invitation to Join the Church and Final Song
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 3:2-12: "Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is mature, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire! And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh."
2. James 1:19: "You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger."
### Observation Questions
1. What metaphors does James use in James 3 to describe the power of the tongue? ([49:56])
2. According to James 3:9-10, what dual nature does the tongue possess?
3. How does James 1:19 advise Christians to approach conversations, especially those involving disagreements? ([45:33])
4. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate the impact of our words in everyday life? ([57:14])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James compare the tongue to a rudder and a small spark? What does this imply about the potential impact of our words? ([49:56])
2. How can our words reveal the true nature of our hearts, according to James 3:9-11? ([55:40])
3. What does it mean to be "quick to listen and slow to speak" in the context of Christian dialogue? How can this principle be applied in modern communication? ([45:33])
4. How does the pastor suggest we should handle disagreements to reflect our Christian values? ([46:41])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words either built someone up or tore them down. How could you have handled it differently to align with James 3:2-12? ([49:56])
2. Think about a time when you were quick to speak and slow to listen. How did that affect the outcome of the conversation? What steps can you take to reverse this habit? ([45:33])
3. In what ways can you practice gentle disagreement in your daily interactions, especially with those who hold different views from you? ([46:41])
4. Identify a relationship in your life that could benefit from more respectful and loving communication. What specific actions can you take to improve this relationship? ([59:35])
5. How can you use your words to bless others and share the good news of Jesus Christ in your community this week? ([01:01:04])
6. Consider the impact of your online communication. Are there changes you need to make to ensure your words reflect your Christian values? ([01:00:26])
7. How can you become a better listener in your family, workplace, or church? What practical steps can you take to show others that you value their words and opinions? ([45:33])
Devotional
Day 1: The Tongue's Immense Power
The tongue, though small, wields immense power. It can bless or curse, build up or tear down. James 3 likens it to a rudder that steers a ship, emphasizing the significant impact our words can have on others and ourselves. We must be mindful of how we use this powerful tool. [48:23]
James 3:4-5 (ESV): "Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 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: Think of a recent conversation where your words had a significant impact, either positive or negative. How can you be more mindful of the power of your words in future interactions?
Day 2: Words Reveal the Heart
Our words are a window into our soul, revealing our true nature and intentions. James 3:9-11 reminds us that the same mouth can both bless and curse, showing the duality within us. This calls for self-examination and a commitment to speak words that reflect our Christian values. [55:40]
Matthew 12:34-35 (ESV): "You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil."
Reflection: Reflect on the words you have spoken in the past week. What do they reveal about the state of your heart? How can you align your speech more closely with your Christian values?
Day 3: Building Relationships Through Words
Effective communication in any relationship starts with showing genuine care and respect. Before diving into deep or controversial topics, we should establish a connection that demonstrates our love and concern for the other person. This approach aligns with the Christian call to love our neighbors and even our enemies. [59:35]
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV): "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that could benefit from better communication. How can you show genuine care and respect in your next conversation with this person?
Day 4: The Role of Listening
Being an excellent listener is foundational to Christian dialogue. James 1:19 advises us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. By listening first, we show respect and humility, setting a positive tone for any conversation, especially those involving disagreements. [45:33]
Proverbs 18:13 (ESV): "If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where you could have been a better listener. What steps can you take to improve your listening skills in future conversations?
Day 5: Gentle Disagreement
Christians are called to disagree gently, reflecting the fruits of the Holy Spirit, including gentleness. This means engaging in discussions not to win or hurt the other person but to share ideas and love meaningfully. Recognizing the value of the other person, even in disagreement, is crucial. [46:41]
2 Timothy 2:24-25 (ESV): "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth."
Reflection: Think of a recent disagreement you had. How could you have approached it more gently and with more respect for the other person? What can you do differently next time to reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your disagreements?
Quotes
1. "When we argue or when we disagree, Christians also disagree gently. We're not in it to hurt the other person. We're not in it to best the other person. Now, hopefully, we're in it to ultimately share our ideas and our love in meaningful ways. But we disagree gently because we know that the Holy Spirit lives within us as Christians. We depend on the Holy Spirit. And that's not just something that lives in absence of anything else. It brings change to our lives." [46:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have to remember how powerful our tongue is. And we have to be aware that what's inside of us is liable to come out in that situation. What we talk about and how we talk about it shows others how we care or not about them and about the topic that is at hand. And so it's important that we pay attention to the words that we use and recognize that in these debates, in these discussions." [58:41] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Creating that relationship with somebody else is the first step so that they can know that you care about them. And I hope because they're made in the likeness of God, you care something about them. And I hope you're willing to show your love through this connection that is made by the most powerful muscle in our body, our tongue, and our words, and the way that we greet. And the way that we bless." [59:35] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "James is comparing this to our tongues and to the words that we use, how our tongue is such a small muscle, but yet it's capable of doing many things. He goes on, though. He gives us several metaphors in this passage. He also says this in verse 4, though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder. And wherever the will of the pilot directs, so also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits." [49:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "James goes on. He's not through giving us images to think about here. He says, how great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity. It stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of life, and is itself set, on fire by hell. Sounds like they already knew what political speech would turn into, doesn't it? But he's saying again, the words that we use matter. The things that we say matter." [53:05] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "With it, we bless the Lord and God the Father. And with it, we also curse people. Who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth comes a blessing and a curse. My brothers and sisters, it ought not be so. And then in verse 11, he continues, does the spring pour forth from the same opening both freshwater and brackish or saltwater? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives? Or can a grapevine yield figs? no more can salt water yield fresh water." [55:40] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "What we say shows whether we have any kind of care, love, concern for the person that we're talking to. If we meet somebody for the first time on the street and suddenly they're like, and start out with one of the first things out of our mouth is, are you saved? Have we shown them that we care at all about them as an individual? Or are we showing something else? If we meet somebody and the first thing out of our mouth is, well, you should come to my church. Have we created any kind of relationship there at all for that love to be made known?" [58:41] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "James thinks it's important. And so do I. And I've seen, and I know you've seen, how it's lived out within your lives, within our culture. You know, the internet has made things worse in some ways. We don't have that person there, but we're willing to wag our tongue through virtual space anyway. Maybe for the good or for the bad. But, brothers and sisters, as we enter into these debates, we have to remember, to be excellent listeners, we have to remember to disagree gently, to value our opponent, and to love them, and to control what we say, and what we do, and the words that we use, and know that those words have the power to bless, and unfortunately to curse, those that we are speaking." [01:00:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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