What kinds of words should I speak? - Words - TouchPoints

Deuteronomy 6:4-7“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”

We should talk about God’s word on a continual basis, beginning with our family at home. It may be helpful to take turns sharing thoughts and reflections about God’s word.

Genesis 50:21“No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he [Joseph] reassured them [his brothers] by speaking kindly to them.

We should speak kind words to one another, even to those who have wronged us.

Job 16:5“If it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.”

Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

We should use words that build others up. This will usually require that we observe and listen carefully before we speak.

Proverbs 15:4Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 25:15Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.

We should speak to one another with persistent gentleness. Genuine persuasion is seldom sudden, but occurs when truthful words are shared over time.

1 Peter 3:9Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.

We must learn to use our words to bless one another, even when others have used words to injure us. We should retaliate by speaking and delivering good into the lives of others.

Zechariah 8:16Tell the truth to each other. Render verdicts in your courts that are just and that lead to peace.

Ephesians 4:14-15Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, 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.

We must learn to speak truthfully, in a way that promotes justice, peace, and unity.

Psalm 50:23“Giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me.”

Romans 15:6Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We should speak words of thanks and praise to God.

Proverbs 25:11Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket.

When the time is right, giving good advice can be a great blessing to others.

2 Thessalonians 1:3Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.

Following the apostle Paul’s example, we should compliment others with words of gratitude.

Colossians 3:17Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Remember that as followers of Jesus, both our words and actions represent him to others.