Introduction

Good morning, church family! I'm so glad we're gathered together today to explore a topic that affects each and every one of us - the power of our words and the way we use them.

You see, our words carry weight. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, heal or hurt. And we're not just talking about the big stuff - the arguments, the harsh words, the outright lies. We're talking about every word that leaves our lips - from the casual chat to the deep conversations.

As Sam Korankye Ankrah once said, "As Christians, we are not called to the business of cursing people who mess with us, but we have the right and power to invoke the name Jehovah Adonai and He decides what to do to them."

Our Scripture passages today are Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken,"

James 1:19, "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,"

James 3:9-11, "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"

Proverbs 15:1, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger,"

And Ephesians 4:29, "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."

Let's open our time together in prayer.

Father God, we ask for your guidance and wisdom today as we delve into these scriptures. Help us to truly understand the power of our words and the need to control our tongues. May we use our words to glorify You and uplift others. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let's dive in, folks. We've got a lot to talk about!

The Power of Words

The power of words is a concept that is both simple and complex. It's simple because we all understand that words have the ability to communicate ideas, express emotions, and convey messages. It's complex because the power of words goes far beyond mere communication. Words have the ability to shape our reality, influence our thoughts and actions, and impact our relationships with others and with God.

The words we use in our daily interactions: A kind word can lift someone's spirit, a harsh word can ruin someone's day, a thoughtful word can provide comfort, and a careless word can cause pain. Our words have the power to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to heal or to hurt. This is why the Bible places such a strong emphasis on the way we use our words. In Matthew 12:36, Jesus warns us that we will have to give account for every empty word we have spoken. This is a reminder that our words matter, not just in the moment, but in the grand scheme of eternity.

Evident in the way they shape our thoughts and actions: The words we speak often reflect the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. In other words, our words reveal who we are. As James 3:9-11 points out, it's inconsistent for us to use our tongues to both praise God and curse others. If we truly understand the power of words, we will strive to use our words in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God.

The power to influence others: As James 1:19 advises, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak. This is because our words can have a profound impact on others. A gentle answer can turn away wrath, as Proverbs 15:1 tells us. On the other hand, a harsh word can stir up anger. This is why it's so important for us to think before we speak and to choose our words carefully.

The power to build others up:: Ephesians 4:29 instructs us not to let any unwholesome talk come out of our mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs. This means that our words should be used to encourage, edify, and uplift others. Our words should be a source of blessing, not a source of harm.

As we strive to use our words in a way that glorifies God and uplifts others, we will see the transformative power of words in action.

The Danger of Profanity

Profanity, or the use of offensive language, is a topic that we often skirt around in Christian circles ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO