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Home Team: Say What? Improving how we talk to one another!
Scripture Lesson of the Day: James 3:1-12 and other selected passages
Cornerstone Text: “…We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church” (Ephesians 4:15, NLT).
What are the top ten things not to say on the job?
Some realities about your words
Your words are a small spark that can lead to great destruction. (James 3:4-6)
- Your words posses the power to influence. (Proverbs 18:21)
- Your words demonstrate who is in control. (Matthew 12:34-37,15:18; James 3-4)
Ask yourself this question before you speak:
Would I be embarrassed or ashamed if God heard me say this? (Ephesians 5:3-4)
The Ten Commandments of Healthy Communication
Commandment #1: Thou shalt listen and not answer until the other is done speaking! (Proverbs 18:13; James 1:19)
Commandment #2: Thou shalt think first and be slow to speak. (Proverbs 15:23, 28; 21:23; 29:20; James 1:19)
Commandment #3: Thou shalt speak the truth but always in love. (Ephesians 4:15, 25; Colossians 3:9)
Commandment #4: Thou shalt not use the silent treatment to punish each other. (1 Samuel 25:3)
Commandment #5: Thou shalt not participate in bitter quarrels. (Proverbs 17:14; 20:3; Romans 13:13; Ephesians 4:31)
Commandment #6: Thou shalt not respond in anger but with kindness and gentleness.(Proverbs 14:29; 15:1; 25:15; 29:11; Ephesians 4:26, 31)
Commandment #7: Thou shalt admit it when wrong and ask for forgiveness. (James 5:16)
Commandment #8: Thou shalt not nag. (Proverbs 21:9, 19; 27:15-16)
Commandment #9: Thou shalt avoid negative criticism and playing the blame game.(Romans 14:13; Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Commandment #10: Thou strive with all your heart to understand others. (Ephesians 4:2, 29; Philippians 2:1-4)
Closing Challenge: How we speak to one another really does matter to God. Jesus said as much, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37, NIV). What will your words do for you?
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