Lesson: Sunday May 31, 2020 Minister Tajuana Miles
How We Speak
Key Point #1: Positive Words Change Attitudes. Words can be sweet and good or sour and hurtful, so we must be careful to use words that are uplifting, good, and positive.
Key Point #2: Worship Honors God! Worship Changes Lives!
Words have the power to worship God and witness to others. Worship is much more than the music we sign. It is an attitude of actions and words that we express every day. When others see us using words in this way, they learn what God is like and they want to know Him, too. Encouragement and evangelism naturally begin to take place when we tell others about Jesus and what He’s done in our lives, it’s called being a “witness”. Words used to give God honor and to tell others about His greatness are the most powerful tools on earth.
Share your witness:
- Model Kindness and compassion as Jesus did for others.
- Pray for the people you witness to.
- Share something that faith or prayer has done in your life.
- Open a conversation about Jesus by saying things such as, “Do you know that Jesus is our very best friend?” or “Isn’t it great that Jesus loves us?”
- Share what Jesus’ love, forgiveness, and salvation means.
- Do not force others who are not willing to hear about Jesus. God will get them ready!
Taming the Tongue is Crucial
In James 3:8 the tongue is a “restless evil, full of deadly poison”. Our words can be used to express love by encouraging and supporting or as a weapon of destruction to cause hurt and trouble. Each person must “tame” his or her tongue and use words in positive ways. Simple, authentic caring expression are best and last the longest
You Do:
- Speak nicely to others.
- Use Words that uplift or encourage others.
- Be Sincere in what you say.
- Try some of these encouraging words or phrases: “You always make me smile” or “I am always her to listen,
- Be sure your words match your actions. If you say you are going to help, then be sure to help.
- Remember to communicate through your actions; a smile or hug says “I love Your” too!
You Do Not:
- Do not call others names.
- Do not Gossip about others.
- Avoid complaining – Look on the bright side of problems
Our words to others speak volumes. Wisely chosen words are crucial to the goal of showing good manners, encouraging others, sharing Jesus. Speaking with acceptable words and kind expressions is valuable preparation for building relationships tomorrow and for deepening relationships with friends today
Words Requires “Self-Control”
The Bible warns us that if we do not have self control, we will be slaves to what controls us. Food, lust, money, our words… God’s Grace Teaching us to say no to ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly*, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:12.
Being self-controlled is the foundation for living a life of righteousness and selflessness that reflects Jesus and brings glory to God. We have the power to bring sins under control!
What is Self-Control?
noun
self-control
(noun)
- the ability to control oneself, in particular one’s emotions and desires or the expression of them in one’s behavior, especially in difficult situations
The tongue has the power of life and death, Proverbs 18:21 teaches us that Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. All Believers are chosen “out of the world” to bear fruit. The fruit-bearing refers to spiritual virtues, such as the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 (love, peace, joy patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) and ‘conversion of others to Christ (Witness). Godly characteristics do not automatically grow without our diligent (continue) effort to cultivate them. You have to work at it.
Top Six reasons kids give for swearing or cussing:
- Because they’re upset, frustrated or hurt.
- To show off for their friends.
- To upset others or get attention.
- To feel grown-up or “cool”.
- Because their family says the words.
- They don’t think swearing is rude.
What does the Bible say about: Taming the Tongue?
- Proverbs 21:23 – Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
- Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
- Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
- James 3:2 – We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
- Proverbs 12:18 – There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.
Always Remember: “Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who Prays.” – S. Kierkegaard