Hope Lake Country
Weight of Your Words Episode 2 "Weigh Way More"
Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me. It's cute, but it’s not true. Words have power - power to build - power to destroy. Words shape reality. In fact, the words spoken to you have shaped you in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Words weigh way more than we think they should or do. Since words are so powerful, we will begin to discover how to use your words to make a difference, not a point.
Locations & Times
Hope Lake Country Church
2431 N Dousman Rd, Oconomowoc, WI 53066, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:15 AM
The purpose of your words is not to make a point but to make a difference.
Jesus did not come to make a point but a difference.
Homework:
What’s your current ratio of rotten words to positive words?
Who needs to hear the Magic Ratio of words from you?
Groups
1. Can you think of any times when one word made all the difference?
2. Do you think our culture tends to focus more on criticism than encouragement?
3. James 3:8 says: "No man can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." Why do you think controlling our speech is so difficult?
4. Ephesians 4:29 challenges us to only use words that are beneficial to others.
What does this mean for criticism?
How can you shift your goal from making a point to making a difference?
5. According to the "magic ratio" of 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative one, how balanced do you think your communication is with the people closest to you?
What might change in your relationships if following the Magic Ratio became your daily goal?
How can you increase the positive words and interactions in your relationships?
6. Bonus: In the digital age, we often communicate through texts and social media. How does this medium impact the weight and influence of our words?
How can we ensure that our digital communication reflects the same principles of life-giving and encouraging speech?
What’s your current ratio of rotten words to positive words?
Who needs to hear the Magic Ratio of words from you?
Groups
1. Can you think of any times when one word made all the difference?
2. Do you think our culture tends to focus more on criticism than encouragement?
3. James 3:8 says: "No man can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." Why do you think controlling our speech is so difficult?
4. Ephesians 4:29 challenges us to only use words that are beneficial to others.
What does this mean for criticism?
How can you shift your goal from making a point to making a difference?
5. According to the "magic ratio" of 5 positive interactions for every 1 negative one, how balanced do you think your communication is with the people closest to you?
What might change in your relationships if following the Magic Ratio became your daily goal?
How can you increase the positive words and interactions in your relationships?
6. Bonus: In the digital age, we often communicate through texts and social media. How does this medium impact the weight and influence of our words?
How can we ensure that our digital communication reflects the same principles of life-giving and encouraging speech?