Week of Feb 3rd – Inappropriate Words

Key Thought:
I remember learning, by experience, how sensitive Junior High students are about their self-image. Many years ago I was a Junior High Youth Pastor and I made a playful comment to an 8th grade girl in my group in response to a dig she made at me. As an adult I was easily able to handle her comment, but I could immediately see that my words had hurt her. I realized that Junior High students can dish it out, but they can’t take it. So, I decided that from then on I would choose to take good-natured insults from young adolescents, but would hold my tongue in response.

Words can truly hurt and even devastate someone. Words can ruin a reputation that has been built over a life time. Words can open old emotional wounds that haven’t fully healed. Words can stir up anger, hatred, resentment, and jealousy. Words have been used to incite violence and acts of bigotry. Words can change the atmosphere of a meeting or the feelings of a person from being upbeat and confident to being depressed and unmotivated.

What words come out of your mouth? Do you spread filth and discouragement? Do you delight in bringing people down with gossip and back-stabbing? Hopefully, Christ is in you and he is producing words that build up people and his church!

Sermon Highlights:
Take some time to write down some important thoughts that have stuck with you from Steve’s sermon Sticks and Stones (Feb 3rd , 2008).

Bible Reading:
Monday – Ephesians 4:29
Tuesday – Proverbs 19:1
Wednesday – Colossians 4: 5,6
Thursday – James 3:1-12
Friday – Romans 10:13-17

Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:

1. When was the last time that someone’s words hurt you?
2. Is there a time that you said something totally inappropriate and wished you could take back your words?
3. Why do some people use filthy and raunchy language? Is this ever acceptable for someone who claims to be a Christian?
4. What is the appeal of gossip? Why do Christians not feel convicted when they do this?
5. If you committed to only speak wholesome and edifying words, what impact would that have on the people and organizations you are around?