The Words We Use Matter!Sample

DAY 1

Everyone spoke well of him (Jesus) and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. “How can this be?” they asked. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” Luke 4:22

Ever wondered why people speak harsh, hurtful & unhelpful words?

Have you ever been spoken to in an ungracious manner? How did it make you feel? When someone has spoken to me in an ungracious manner, unwilling to show curiosity, I feel deflated, misunderstood and even unheard. So why do we speak this way to one another?

I guess the simple answer to “why do we speak harsh, hurtful & unhelpful words, is simple, we aren’t Jesus! But as a disciple of Jesus, aren’t we meant to become more like Him? Wouldn’t this mean speaking to ourselves and others the way Jesus did and would?! Jesus had a reputation of using gracious words.

Maybe wisdom is setting healthy boundaries around people who speak unkindly, even abusively to us while taking personal responsibility for the words that come out of our mouths.

We read clearly in Luke 4:22 that the people who encountered Jesus were amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips.

Tomorrow we will take a deeper dive into what are gracious words and the impact they can have on the relationships around us.

In the meantime, here are a few other bible verses and questions to ponder on…

Bible verses:

“He causes us to remember his wonderful works. How gracious and merciful is our Lord!” Ps 111:4

“Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend.” Prov 22:11

Questions to Ponder OR Action

1. What must Jesus’ words and tone have been, for others to speak so well of him? (The Gospels give us clear insight into the kinds of words Jesus used).

2. Do I speak graciously to myself? How’s my self-talk?

3. Do I speak graciously to others? What words do I speak over those closest to me? What kind of tone do I use? (I can say the same thing using a different tone and the meaning of what I say, immediately changes).

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you that you are gracious! Help me to use the kind of words you would use to bless others and myself, and not tear myself or others down. Amen 🙏🏽