SF718 - WORDS THAT HURT OR WORDS THAT HEAL (James 3 5-6)

James 3:5-6

Introduction

When we use language improperly we fulfill the will of Satan

Abuse - a Definition

To use wrongly

To hurt by treating badly

To use insulting language about or to someone

The greatest and most prevalent abuse is Verbal Abuse…

“Sticks & stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Enough is enough!

1A. How our Words can Wound (Matthew 27:38-44)

1B. When we speak a Harsh Word

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

2B. When we speak a Careless Word

(Matthew 12:36 NIV) "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

3B. When we speak an Angry Word

(Proverbs 14:17 NIV) "A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated."

(Proverbs 29:22 NIV) "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins."

4B. When we speak an Untrue Word

(Proverbs 26:28 NIV) "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

(Proverbs 12:22 NIV) "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

5B. When we speak an Unkind Word

(James 3:8 NIV) "but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

Enough is enough!

2A. How we can Heal the Hurt

1B. Repent of Words that Wound

Refuse to continue assaulting others with our words!

(Psalms 141:3 NIV) "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips."

2B. Seek God’s Forgiveness

For words the wound

(1 John 1:9 NIV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

3B. Seek Other’s Forgiveness

This requires confession - Make it right

4B. Exercise Self-control

(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

(Proverbs 15:4 NIV) "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

3A. How we are to React to an Attack

(1 Peter 2:22-23 NIV) ""He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." {23} When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

1B. Do not Retaliate

(1 Samuel 17:47 NIV) "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.""

2B. Do not make Threats

(Isaiah 53:7 NIV) "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."

3B. Do not seek Revenge

(Romans 12:19 NIV) "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord."

4B. Trust God to take care of the Situation

(Psalms 9:4 NIV) "For you have upheld my right and my cause; you have sat on your throne, judging righteously."

5B. Forgive them

(Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV) "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. {32} Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Action Points

Do an inventory have you used hurtful word recently?

Repent to them and ask God to forgive you.

Ask whomever you hurt to forgive you.

If you have been hurt…

Do not retaliate or seek revenge.

Trust God and forgive the one who has hurt you.

WORDS THAT HURT OR WORDS THAT HEAL
Fall Festival of the Family - October 25, 1997

James 3:5-6

Introduction

1A. How our Words can _____________________ (Matthew 27:38-44)

1B. When we speak a __________________ Word

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

2B. When we speak a ___________________ Word

(Matthew 12:36 NIV) "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

3B. When we speak an ___________________ Word

(Proverbs 14:17 NIV) "A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated."

(Proverbs 29:22 NIV) "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins."

4B. When we speak an ____________________ Word

(Proverbs 26:28 NIV) "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin."

(Proverbs 12:22 NIV) "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

5B. When we speak an ___________________ Word

(James 3:8 NIV) "but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

2A. How we can ___________________ the Hurt

1B. ___________________ of Words that Wound

(Psalms 141:3 NIV) "Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips."

2B. Seek God’s ___________________

(1 John 1:9 NIV) "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

3B. Seek Other’s __________________

4B. Exercise _____________ - ________________

(Galatians 5:22-23 NIV) "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, {23} gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

(Proverbs 15:4 NIV) "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

2A. How we are to ________________ to an Attack

(1 Peter 2:22-23 NIV) ""He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth." {23} When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly."

1B. Do not ______________________

(1 Samuel 17:47 NIV) "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give all of you into our hands.""

2B. Do not make _________________