Small, But Powerful Series

But when we put down others, it is an insult to His creation and to Himself personally.

Because…

We need hearts that love people.

So many of our tongue and speech problems would go away if we just loved people (even liked them).

Instead, we mock the person whom God loves.

So, I encourage you to…

Act kindly.

We can do this.

Have a humble heart.

Be kind and gentle.

Speak gracious words, especially in the midst of conflict.

It is then we will have…

WHOLENESS

We noted early on in our discussion today that our tongue has multiple use.

It can be used for good or for bad.

It can be a destroyer.

It also can be used for blessing and praise.

For the Christian, we know that it is to be used for the latter.

But somehow, in the normal strains of life, it gets forgotten.

Our focus is distracted and we forget to…

Tell what God has done.

But telling what God has done is our greatest privilege.

For my life and speech to point people toward Jesus is both an honor and a joy.

And the funny thing about this is that when we are talking about how great God is, we don’t have time or a desire to engage in frivolous gossip or critical remarks about others.

We come to realize that our tongue is called to great things.

We speak about how great God is.

And when our conversation is about each other, we want to…

Build up!

Yes, we are to be encouragers.

We are to build into each other.

And do you see what word sits in the middle of encouragement.

It is courage.

This means that we are to build courage into one another.

We give each other courage to face each new day.

ILL Encouragement (S)

The story is told of a reserved man in Vermont who one day blurted out to his wife, “When I think of all you have meant to me all these years, it’s almost more than I can do sometime to keep from telling you so!”

Well, if he really wants wholeness, he’ll tell her, because our relationships are to…

Bring healing.

Think about it for a moment.

Who do you want to be around?

Do you want to be around the person who is critical and unhappy?

No way!

They suck the life right out of you.

We want to be around people that are a joy to us.

We want to be with people that affirm our worth.

They encourage us, inform us, challenge us, love us, forgive us, help us, and they just can’t stop smiling.

We need to be that for others.

ILL Encouragement (S)

Author and Counselor, Dr. Larry Crabb, recalls an incident in the church he attended as a young man. It was customary in this church that young men were encouraged to participate in the communion services by praying out loud. Feeling the pressure of expectation, the young Crabb (who had a problem with stuttering) stood to pray. In a terribly confused prayer, he recalls “thanking the Father for hanging on the cross and praising Christ for triumphantly bringing the Spirit from the grave.”

When he was finished, he vowed he would never again speak or pray out loud in front of a group.

At the end of the service, not wanting to meet any of the church elders who might feel constrained to correct his theology, Crabb made for the door. Before he could get out, an older man named Jim Dunbar caught him.