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THINK DIFFERENT • The Power of Words – 1/23/22

Words are powerful. We read in the creation story in Genesis that God spoke the words “let there be light” and it was so. In the Book of James, we are reminded that it only takes a tiny bit to control a large horse, a small rudder to control a large ship, and merely a spark to start a forest fire. Words are the same. It takes only a few words to inspire hope or incite a riot. Words can be either life-giving or life-taking. It is said that it takes 5 positive comments to counterbalance only 1 negative comment. The words we speak to others matter, often in far greater ways that we can imagine. Likewise, the words we say to ourselves, our self-talk, greatly impacts our confidence and approach to life. Our thoughts affect our words, which in turn affect our actions and untimately create habits that determine our direction, our destination.

Scriptures – Proverbs 18:21; James 3:3-5; Proverbs 12:18; Proverbs 15:4; Ephesians 4:29; Proverbs 16:24; Isaiah 54:2; Psalm 19:14

Verses – 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. (Ep 4:29)

Thought – Here are a couple of rules about life-giving words. Rule One: If you can’t say something helpful, keep your mouth shut. If you put this into practice in every area of your life (marriage, parenting, friendships, work), it will change your world. Rule Two: If you think something good, say it. If I think good thoughts about you, it doesn’t help you. But, when I set my thoughts free, they have the power to bless your life. So anytime you think something good about someone, say it! Sweeten someone’s life. You can also sweeten your own life. Sometimes we need to encourage ourselves with words of affirmation. At a very low point in David’s life, he says that he encouraged himself in the Lord. When you think, “I can’t,” try saying “With God’s help I can!” Say it aloud. Is your work a discouraging grind? Change your thinking, change your words! “I know God will bless my labor as I work faithfully and diligently.” Anything is possible with God!

Questions – During this past week were your words more life-giving or life-taking? Do you keep your mouth shut if what you want to say is not helpful? When you have a good thought about someone, do you make a point of letting them know? Are you more critical or encouraging? Share some life-giving words that have encouraged your heart? How can you offer instruction/correction to someone and yet be affirming? 

Response – Keep your mouth shut if what you are going to say is not helpful. Open your mouth and share your thoughts when they are uplifting, positive and affirming. Create your own self-talk phrase that encourages you in the Lord, and repeat it to yourself over and over. It might include a Scripture, or be as simple as “I matter to God.”

Prayer – from Psalm 19:14 – Amazing God, your words created this world and everything in it. May the words I speak be life-giving and encouraging. Help me to hold my tongue when the words I want to say are hurtful and discouraging. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. In Jesus Name I pray, amen.

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