Loving With Your Words
Series: 40 Days of Love
March 1, 2009
Pastor Bill Bump
James 3:2 (GN)
All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect…
WORDS ARE IMPORTANT
I. My mouth directs where I go.
James 3:3,4 (NLT)
We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a tiny rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot wants it to go, even though the winds are strong.
II. My mouth can destroy what I have.
James 3:5,6 (NLT)
So also, the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It can turn the entire course of your life into a blazing flame of destruction, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
III. My mouth displays who I really am.
James 3:11,12 (NLT)
Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Can you pick olives from a fig tree or figs from a grapevine? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty pool.
Matthew 12:34 (NLT)
...For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.
Mark 7:15 (LB)
Your souls aren’t harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say!
HOW TO LOVE PEOPLE WITH WORDS:
I. LOVE PEOPLE WITH HONEST WORDS
Jesus responded out of honesty, not out of irritation. His motivation behind what he said was of great importance.
Ephesians 4:15 (NIV)
...speaking the truth in love…
Proverb 27:5 (NLT)
An open rebuke is better than hidden love.
I Corinthians 13:6 (NIV)
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
Honest words have to start with honesty in my own heart.
II. LOVE PEOPLE WITH CAREFUL WORDS
Three ways we need to be careful with words:
A. Anger
Ephesians 4:26,27 (NIV)
In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.
When we treat communication like a battle and we think somebody has to win and somebody has to lose, then everyone loses.
B. Gossip
Proverb 16:28b (NIV)
...a gossip separates close friends.
To reduce gossip, don’t share anything with someone who’s not part of the problem or part of the solution.
C. Saying too much
Proverb 21:23 (Mes)
Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.
Proverb 17:28 (Mes)
Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they’re smart.
Proverb 13:3 (Mes)
Careful words make for a careful life; careless talk may ruin everything.
III. LOVE PEOPLE WITH BUILDING WORDS
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs…
We need to stop and think before speaking: Is this going to build up or is this going to tear down?
THINK before speaking:
T = Is it truthful?
H = Is it helpful?
I = Is it inspirational?
N = Is it necessary?
K = Is it kind?
CONCLUSION:
ACTION STEPS:
Kind words transform worry to joy.
Proverb 12:25 (GN)
Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.
Gentle words break through anger.
Proverb 15:1 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Pleasant words encourage learning.
Proverb 16:21 (NIV)
...and pleasant words promote instruction.
Honest words make us feel loved.
Proverb 24:26 (NIV)
An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.
Wise words heal broken hearts.
Proverb 12:18 (GN)
Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.
