Choose Wisely
We are accountable for the words we choose to use. As believers who have put off the old self and put on the new self, we have to make a conscious effort to move from using corrupting words to using encouraging words. Although we have lots of words and scriptures to choose from, specifically choosing words that are meaningful and appropriate to the listener’s situation will aid in building others up according to their specific needs.
What is edification? How can the words we choose to use impact our ability to contribute to the edification of others?
What do you think of when Paul writes about “building others up according to their needs” in Ephesians 4:29?
Why should we consider what we bring into a conversation (i.e., presence, proclivities, passions, patience, purpose) beyond the words we speak?
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9. Why is it important for us to understand and remain obedient in our specific roles and responsibilities as planters or waterers in our conversations with others?
Do you have any proclivities that could have a negative impact on your conversations with others? If so, how can you proactively prevent this from happening?
Truth & Love
There’s a tension we may experience between truth and love: telling someone the truth doesn’t always seem loving, and sometimes loving people can feel as though it comes at the expense of telling the truth. It’s easy to embrace one while neglecting the other. Yet,...
Hope Floats
Most of us are desperate for hope—especially words of hope spoken to us by others. Hearing the right words can completely change our course in difficult or terrible circumstances. And here’s the thing about words of hope; they’re contagious. What if our eyes and...
The Power of What You Say
Words have power. Power to build up or power to destroy. Armed with any other weapon as strong as words, you might be required to be trained and certified. That’s not a bad idea. God’s word is filled with instructions about how to skillfully speak life into others...