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New Year’s Revolution • Revolutionary – 2/19/23

The Bible has a lot to say about words. Words have the power to ignite revolutions, start wars, break and heal a heart, transform lives and change culture. History reflects the power of words in Lincoln’s Gettysburg address, Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream, and Churchill’s rally of the European forces in WW2. On the other side, Hitler’s words led to the extermination of 6 million Jews, and the death of 11 million people, Castro led a communist takeover of Cuba because his words were powerful. God created us to communicate with words. He spoke the world into existence. In John 1:1 the Bible says that in the beginning the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The power of words cannot be understated. On the average, we have over 30 conversations each day and send about 128 texts. That represents a lot of words. How are your words affecting your life? How are they affecting those around you? What is trending in your conversations? Consider the words you have spoken today, to family, friends, co-workers, the clerk at the grocery store, the lady in the doctor’s office. You should always think before you speak and learn how to use your words to lift up those around you and honor God.

Scriptures – John 1:1; Proverbs 21:23, 15:28; 12:22, 25:18; John 8:44; Proverbs 10:11, 15:1, 16:24, 18:21

Verse – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (Jn 1:1) Those who guard their mouths and their tongues guard themselves from trouble. (Pr 21:23) Telling lies about others is as harmful as hitting them with an ax, wounding them with a sword, or shooting them with a sharp arrow. (Pr 25:18) The words of the godly are a life-giving fountain; (Pr 10:11) The tongue has the power of life and death. (Pr 18:21)

Thought – When you accept Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells within you. As you grow closer to God you become more sensitive to His direction. God desires honesty and truth in all your conversations. Allow the Holy Spirit to put a check on your tongue. If you can’t tell the truth, say nothing. Lies lead to more lies and create a web of hurt and confusion. Incorporate “please” into your interactions. “Please” transforms a command into a request. Likewise, “thank you” reflects kindness and appreciation. What should you be saying that you’re not saying? Do your friends and family need to hear words of affirmation such as, “I love you; I appreciate you; you are special to me, you did a good job!” These are life-giving words. You can assume they “know.” But do they? Your words have no power until you set them free. A sincere “I’m sorry” is one of the most necessary phrases in any relationship. Moving forward after a hurt, disagreement, or offense requires putting it behind. A genuine “I’m sorry” goes a long way. And remember you won’t always agree with everyone, and that’s ok. When you have a disagreement, try saying, “Help me understand where you’re coming from.” Hear what the other person has to say. Your respect for them, despite their feelings or opinions is what matters, even if you agree to disagree. WORDS are Wonderful Opportunities to Relate Dynamically to Someone.

Questions – Do you think before you speak? Are you more likely to measure your words with some people than with others? Explain. Describe a time when your words got you into trouble. What life-giving words do you recall that were spoken to you when they were most needed? What destructive words have caused you injury? What can you do to remedy a relationship that words have damaged? Is there someone that you need to give special consideration by the words you speak? (For example, is there someone you have taken for granted, slighted, treated with less value than God desires?)

Response – Exercise restraint in conversation. Incorporate positive affirmations. Be truthful. Focus on anyone you have not given respectful consideration by your words and aim to improve your conversation. Pray for God’s help and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Prayer – May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT

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