POWERFUL WORDS
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21, ESV
Theme: Healthy relationships are not cluttered with negative talk (gossip, sarcasm, harsh jokes).
SQUIRREL
It was a beautiful April afternoon for riding my road bike and thinking. Nine miles in, I slammed on the brakes, simultaneously bellowing, “Nooooo!” as a squirrel ran on a crash course across my bike’s path. Squirrels go whichever way they want. They zigzag back and forth, frequently finding themselves squished as roadkill. I unintentionally clobbered a careless one with my road bike. I have since become wary of squirrels when I’m riding.
Sometimes my conversations can be careless or meandering as well. Like a squirrel, my words sometimes wander on a collision course with negative conversation. Gossip, sarcasm, and harsh jokes can either be avoided or clutter my conversation. Like the squirrel without a plan and self-control, my tongue can get away from me and cause harm to myself and others.
MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION
Life Group facilitates many meaningful and uplifting conversations. The things we are instructed to think about in Philippians 4:8 (true, honorably, just, pure, commendable, lovely, excellent, and praiseworthy) are the same things we discuss there! Yet, no matter what group I’ve been in, the leader usually must rein in the group at the start and sometimes at various points throughout the meeting. We may get sidetracked by entertaining stories or off-topic plan making.
Meaningful, deep conversation is not always possible. When we set aside time for it, or when it is scheduled (say, in Life Group), we need to protect and encourage it. Returning to meaningful discussion is like avoiding squirrels on the bike path. We are going to see squirrels (and interruptions) along the path. However, we don’t have to allow them to distract or derail our conversations (or rides!) for long. We can focus on the deep themes of relationships and God’s best without sarcasm, teasing, or idle chatter.
THE SAME CONVERSATION … AGAIN
In some relationships, we get into negative discussion patterns. The same old contentious topics bring us to repeated arguments which lead nowhere. Whether it is politics, a pet peeve, or a suggestion for improvement, sometimes avoiding a fight is better than having the same fruitless, negative conversation again. Choosing peace over a fight isn’t a cop out. In fact, choosing to believe the best of others and forfeiting the desire to make a point is hard, especially when the information I want to communicate seems potentially helpful. Yet, when I know it’s been communicated before and isn’t wanted or necessary, conversations about overspending, personal boundaries, manners, exercise, or improving appearance may not be life-giving. My words matter. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21a, ESV).
Make It Personal: Which is hardest for you: avoiding distraction or negative comments from meaningful conversation or resisting routine negative patterns, especially with a specific person or group? What is God leading you to consider when it comes to your words? Think of two life-giving comments or discussions you could have today. Consider any negative conversations you wish you had avoided today or can prevent later today or tomorrow.
Pray: Lord, help me to manage my words wisely. Thank You for allowing me the ability to communicate with others clearly. Help me to use my regular conversations for Your glory and to limit any careless speech. Please provide opportunities for me to sing, shout, and speak words that give life to myself and others throughout my day.
Read: Philippians 4:8; Psalm 32:11, 35:27
Weekly Memory Verse: Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)