What if We Realized the Impact of our Words? - Further Study Questions.

This past Sunday's lesson was titled "What if we realized the impact of our words?". Take time to continue studying, considering and applying the lesson through the following questions and Scripture passages.

When is a time that I can recall the words of another building me up? What about a time when the words of another broke me down?

 

What unwholesome words do I tend to struggle with?

Review the 4 Applications from the lesson and consider ways in which I can live these applications out in my daily life.

How do I learn to recognize the needs of others and transform my speech accordingly?

Does my mouth usually feed people with the truth and substance of what I say, or does it starve people through silence or empty speech?

Does my mouth heal people with words of grace?

Does my mouth deliver and protect others or do I join in on the attack?

Do my words encourage others in their walk with the Lord?

The beginning of communication is within the heart of a person.  Read Proverbs 4:20-27. In Matthew 12:34 Jesus tells the religious rulers of the day that out of the overflow of the heart a person’s mouth will speak.  What I say is a result of my heart’s condition. What am I allowing to influence my heart? Are there some influences on my heart that are having a negative impact on my communication?

Read James 3:2-12. Study and make observations from this passage.  How powerful is the tongue? Do I have control over my tongue? Have you been guilty of using my tongue to praise God and then the next minute say hurtful things to another person? What will I do today to work at taming your tongue?

Take time to study the following passages about words and communication…

            Proverbs  10:19-21

            Proverbs 11:13

            Proverbs 12:18

            Proverbs 12:25

            Proverbs 15:1

            Proverbs 15:28

            Proverbs 16:24

            Proverbs 17:9

            Proverbs 23:6-8

            Proverbs 25:11-12

            Proverbs 27:6

            Proverbs 27:15-16

            Ephesians 4:31-32

            James 1:19-20

            Colossians 4:6

There are times when my words go sour. Often, a  first response is to hurl back hurting words toward that person who is verbally hurting. Read and study 1 Peter 2:21-25 and take note of how Jesus responded to verbal abuse. What is it that I can learn from His example? How will I adjust my future responses to such situations?

This week, meditate on Ephesians 4:29 and determine how I will be intentional with my words in the lives of others.