Transforming Lives Through the Power of Words

Summary

We all know what it’s like to be in a difficult emotional state—stressed, agitated, or discouraged—only to find ourselves unexpectedly lifted after reaching out to help someone else. There’s a mysterious, God-designed connection between the words we speak and the emotional states we experience, both in ourselves and in others. When we comfort, encourage, and listen to someone in distress, we often find that our own hearts are changed in the process. This is not accidental; it’s a reflection of how God has wired us in His image, and it’s a glimpse into the “kingdom emotions” of love, joy, and peace that He desires for us.

God’s communication style is our model. Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself as a communicator who is personal, relevant, truthful, and always seeking to enlighten, comfort, encourage, and assure us of His love and mercy. In Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s heart—His tenderness, gentleness, and willingness to meet us face to face. God’s words are never careless; they are always meant to build up, correct, guide, and restore. He sometimes disturbs us to redirect us, but always with the goal of comforting and strengthening us.

Our words, too, have tremendous power. They can instantly generate or intensify emotions, both positive and negative, in ourselves and others. Words can penetrate to the deepest parts of the soul, bringing either healing or harm. This is a “superpower” God has entrusted to us, and He calls us to use it wisely—to say what He would say, in the way He would say it. When we align our communication with God’s, we not only bless others, but we also experience more of His kingdom emotions ourselves.

This requires spiritual growth. It’s not easy to respond with blessing when insulted, or to comfort when we ourselves are hurting. But as we grow in Christ, our spirits become strong enough to pause, listen, and weigh our words, rather than reacting impulsively. We learn to ask: Is what I’m about to say wholesome? Is it helpful? Will it build up and meet the needs of the other person? As we practice this, our words become instruments of healing, encouragement, and transformation.

Ultimately, the more we learn to say what God says, the more we will feel as God feels—experiencing and spreading His love, joy, and peace in a world that desperately needs it.

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Key Takeaways

- Words Shape Emotional Realities—Instantly and Deeply
The words we speak have the power to instantly generate or intensify emotions, both in ourselves and in others. Whether it’s a word of encouragement that lifts a spirit or a harsh comment that wounds, our speech can penetrate to the deepest parts of the soul. This God-given “superpower” is not to be taken lightly, as it can either bring healing or harm, hope or despair. [24:50]

- God’s Communication Style Is Our Blueprint
God’s words are always personal, relevant, truthful, and aimed at building up, comforting, and guiding us. He sometimes disturbs us to redirect us, but always with the intent to comfort and restore. When we look at Jesus, we see the fullness of God’s communication—tender, gentle, and sacrificially loving. Our calling is to let His style shape our own, so that our words become channels of His grace. [12:05]

- Spiritual Growth Enables Us to Respond Like Christ
It is not natural or easy to respond with blessing when insulted or to comfort others when we ourselves are hurting. This kind of response requires spiritual maturity—a strengthening of our God-enlightened reasoning, conscience, and imagination. As we grow in Christ, we develop the inner strength to pause, objectify rather than personalize, and choose words that reflect God’s heart, even in difficult situations. [26:20]

- Listening and Weighing Our Words Is Essential
True Christlike communication begins with listening—really hearing the other person before we speak. We are called to slow down, weigh our words, and consider their impact: Are they wholesome? Are they helpful? Will they build up and meet the needs of the listener? This intentionality transforms our speech from impulsive reaction to purposeful blessing. [29:10]

- Saying What God Says Transforms Us and Others
When we align our words with God’s—speaking truth, encouragement, mercy, and love—we not only bless others but also experience more of God’s kingdom emotions ourselves. Our words become instruments of healing, hope, and transformation, both for those we speak to and for our own souls. The more we practice saying what God says, the more we will feel as God feels—full of love, joy, and peace. [34:00]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - The Power of Words in Everyday Life
[03:19] - Instant Emotional Screening and Reactions
[05:56] - Steps to Experiencing Kingdom Emotions
[07:40] - Famous Words and Their Impact
[10:47] - God’s Communication Style Revealed
[12:05] - Meeting God in Jesus
[15:26] - God’s Words: Enlightening, Relevant, and Transformative
[17:43] - God’s Comfort, Encouragement, and Mercy
[19:09] - The Emotional Power of Words
[23:00] - Words That Transfer and Intensify Emotions
[24:50] - Words That Penetrate and Transform
[26:20] - Overcoming Evil with Good: Spiritual Growth
[29:10] - Comparing Our Communication to God’s
[32:00] - Practical Communication Checkup
[34:00] - The Lasting Impact of God’s Words
[36:00] - Closing Prayer and Challenge

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

- Hebrews 1:1-3
"In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word..."

- Ephesians 4:29
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

- Proverbs 18:13
"To answer before listening—that is folly and shame."

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 1:1-3, how has God chosen to communicate with us in these last days? What does it mean that Jesus is the “exact representation” of God?
(see [10:47])

2. In Ephesians 4:29, what are the three criteria Paul gives for the words that come out of our mouths?
(see [32:00])

3. The sermon described how words can instantly change our emotional state and the state of others. What are some examples the pastor gave of this happening in everyday life?
(see [01:00] and [23:00])

4. What does Proverbs 18:13 say about the importance of listening before speaking?
(see [29:10])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that God’s communication is always personal, relevant, truthful, and aimed at building up, comforting, and guiding us. Why do you think God chooses to communicate this way, and how does it reflect His character?
(see [12:05])

2. Ephesians 4:29 challenges us to only speak what is helpful for building others up. What might be some reasons why this is difficult to practice, especially when we are hurt or agitated?
(see [32:00])

3. The pastor mentioned that spiritual growth is needed to respond with blessing instead of insult, or to comfort others when we ourselves are hurting. What does this say about the connection between our spiritual maturity and our ability to use words wisely?
(see [26:20])

4. The sermon describes our words as a “superpower” that can bring healing or harm. How does this perspective change the way we should think about everyday conversations?
(see [24:50])

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent time when someone’s words changed your emotional state, either for better or worse. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to align your response with God’s communication style?
(see [23:00])

2. The pastor shared that when we comfort or encourage someone else, we often find our own hearts changed in the process. Can you recall a time when helping someone else lifted your own spirit? What does this reveal about how God has wired us?
(see [01:00])

3. Ephesians 4:29 gives us a “communication checkup”: Is it wholesome? Is it helpful? Will it build up and meet the needs of the other person? Which of these is hardest for you, and why? What is one step you can take this week to improve in that area?
(see [32:00])

4. The sermon says that God sometimes disturbs us to redirect us, but always with the goal of comforting and strengthening us. Have you ever experienced God using someone’s words to lovingly correct you? How did you respond?
(see [17:43])

5. The pastor talked about the need to pause and weigh our words, especially when we are tempted to react impulsively. What practical strategies can you use to create that “pause” before speaking, especially in tense situations?
(see [29:10])

6. The message challenges us to compare our communication style to God’s. In what area of your speech (at home, work, online, etc.) do you most need to grow to be more like Jesus? What is one specific change you want to make this week?
(see [29:10])

7. The more we say what God says, the more we feel as God feels—full of love, joy, and peace. What is one relationship in your life where you want to intentionally practice this, and what will you do differently in your next conversation with that person?
(see [34:00])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you use your words to bring healing, encouragement, and hope to others, and to experience more of His love, joy, and peace in your own heart.

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Communication Style: Personal, Comforting, and Transformative
God’s way of communicating is always personal, relevant, and filled with comfort, encouragement, and mercy. He reveals Himself most fully in Jesus, who is the exact representation of God, showing us His tenderness, kindness, and love. Through His Word, God enlightens us, gives us understanding, and meets us where we are, offering correction, training, and assurance of His steadfast love and mercy. When we open ourselves to His communication, we find not only guidance but also the deep comfort and encouragement our souls need, knowing that He is always with us, ready to strengthen and uphold us no matter our circumstances. [19:09]

Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to receive God’s comfort and encouragement today, and how can you intentionally open yourself to His voice through Scripture or prayer?


Day 2: The Power of Words to Shape Emotions
Words have the extraordinary power to instantly generate, intensify, and penetrate emotions—both in ourselves and in others. Whether spoken in anger or in love, our words can either wound deeply or bring healing and hope. God has given us this “superpower” to communicate in ways that can change the emotional climate of our hearts and the hearts of those around us. When we choose to speak words that align with God’s heart—words of comfort, encouragement, and truth—we not only bless others but also experience a transformation in our own emotional state, growing in love, joy, and peace. [26:20]

Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words impacted someone’s emotions—how might you use your words today to bring healing or encouragement to someone in need?


Day 3: Growing Spiritually to Respond Like Christ
Responding to insult or aggression with blessing and goodness is not easy; it requires spiritual growth and strength. As we mature in Christ, our God-enlightened reasoning, conscience, and imagination are strengthened, enabling us to pause, objectify, and respond with grace rather than react defensively. This growth allows us to be free from the control of others’ negative emotions and to overcome evil with good, reflecting Christ’s character even in difficult interactions. Spiritual maturity is measured not just by knowledge, but by our ability to control our responses and align them with God’s ways. [26:20]

1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

Reflection: When faced with criticism or insult, what practical step can you take today to pause and respond with blessing instead of reacting defensively?


Day 4: Weighing Our Words: Listening and Speaking with Wisdom
God calls us to slow down, truly listen, and carefully weigh our words before we speak. Quick, unconsidered responses can lead to folly and harm, but when we cultivate a listening attitude and consider whether our words are wholesome, helpful, and timely, we can build others up and bring healing. Practicing this pause and intentionality in our communication allows us to align our speech with God’s heart, nourishing and benefiting those who hear us, and fostering kingdom emotions in ourselves and others. [24:50]

Proverbs 18:13, 21 (ESV)
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Reflection: Before your next important conversation, how can you intentionally pause to listen fully and weigh your words so that your speech brings life and encouragement?


Day 5: Praying for Words that Please God and Bless Others
Our words have the power to hurt or to heal, to discourage or to inspire hope. God invites us to make it our prayer that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts would be pleasing to Him. As we learn to say what God says, in the way He says it, we not only experience more of His love, joy, and peace ourselves, but we also become channels of these kingdom emotions to others. Let us ask God to help us harness the gift of words to bring blessing, comfort, and transformation wherever we go. [29:50]

Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflection: What is one specific way you can make your words today more pleasing to God and a blessing to someone else?

Quotes

If we just pray, oh, God, give me more love, joy, peace, it will not work. I've said each week it would be like praying, God, make my stomach full. But I've got a nice dinner sitting in front of me, but I'm not willing to shovel it to my mouth. I'm not going to feel full. There's processes that God's put in place. [00:06:45] (00:00:15 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus is the creator of the universe. It goes on to say that He is the exact representation. Jesus of Nazareth, the physical human being, the exact representation of God. Elsewhere in the New Testament, it says in Colossians 2 .9 that in Jesus is all the fullness of God in a physical form. When we meet Jesus, we are meeting God who has made Himself human to make Himself knowable, to reveal Himself comprehensively to all the ancient angelic civilizations, as well as to humanity in an unprecedented way. [00:11:32] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

He always wants to comfort. He always wants to affirm. He always wants to assure. He is tenderhearted. He is kind. He is humble. He's the best person, best person in the whole universe. He's the most powerful and the most gentle simultaneously. He's the safest person, safest person in the universe. We all try to find a few safe people in our lives, and that's wise, but there is nobody safer than the creator of the universe. We can approach him in any condition with certainty. We will never be rejected. We'll never be turned away. [00:18:15] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

God's communication is always encouraging. He says, man, you're not alone in this thing. You just got to open up so that I can share whatever you're going through with you. I'm here anyway. Why don't you at least acknowledge my presence and the weight that you feel. You won't be carrying all your loan. I am with you. Don't be dismayed. Don't be distraught. Don't be despondent. I'm your God. Why? I'll strengthen you. We may feel weak. We may feel overwhelmed. He says, it's okay if you feel that way. I'll strengthen you. I won't just stop there. I'll help you. I'll intervene in your life in ways that you need your life to be intervened in. And then when you feel like you're sinking, when you feel like I cannot do this anymore, I cannot take this anymore, he says, it's okay. It's okay. I'll uphold you at those times. [00:19:06] (00:00:50 seconds) Edit Clip

His mercies never come to what? Never come to an end. We have to remember that. Because we can lock ourselves in these traps sometimes. We can become so sincere about wanting to please God and wanting to obey God that when we falter, when we fail, when we can't make the progress we want to make, we get so down on ourselves. We get into this all or nothing kind of thinking. It's like, oh, Lord, I'm such a bad son or daughter. If I can't serve you the way you deserve to be served, I'm just going to walk away. I'm not even going to identify anymore as your child, as your servant. And yet he says, no, I understand you're not going to do this right overnight. You need a lot of mercy. Every human being on this planet needs a lot of mercy, a lot of forgiveness. And we grow through his mercy. We grow through his forgiveness. [00:20:49] (00:00:51 seconds) Edit Clip

Words are tremendously powerful to hurt or to help we all know this to encourage or to discourage you can have your your dreams dash your heart broken by the wrong words to comfort or to torment to build up or to tear down to strengthen or to weaken to inspire hope or to destroy hope we are we need to understand this this tool this instrument this gift that god has given us to communicate it is a powerful it is a superpower that we can literally use to bring not only joy and peace and love and abundance to our own soul but joy love and peace to an abundance to other people's soul and all of us in here probably have had our lives altered in both good and bad ways because of people's words and most of us i hope in here have had our lives eternally altered because of the words that we receive from god as he revealed himself to us in christ we're never going to be the same because of god's proclamation to us that in christ our sins are forgiven and in christ he he loves us with an everlasting love and seeks us as his own children his own family for eternity he gives us the free gift of everlasting life to any of us that are willing to trust in christ and become his follower those words have changed most of our lives in here and are continuing to change our lives in here. [00:38:01] (00:01:27 seconds) Edit Clip

The more we learn to say what god says the way he says it the more we will you tell me we'll feel as god feels and that's love and that's joy and that's peace and all the beautiful emotional feelings that stream from those two three main things. [00:39:30] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip