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“How to Say I Love You” part 4 of a 7 week series
Dr. Scott E. Koenigsaecker
James 3:2-12 ~ October 10, 2010
INTRODUCTION
A. Why what we say is so important:
· Our words direct where we go.
· Our words can destroy what we have.
· Our words display who we are.
B. “Words flow out of what fills the heard.” Matthew 12:34
“Your souls aren’t harmed by what you eat, but by what you think and say.” Mark 7:15
I. WE LOVE PEOPLE THROUGH SHARING HONEST WORDS.
A. “…speaking the truth in love.” Matthew 4:15a
B. Jesus is a good example of honesty. (Matthew 16:21-23)
C. Honesty is healthy.
“An open rebuke is better than hidden love” Proverbs 27:5
D. Loving honesty is not brutal.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”
1 Corinthians 13:6
II. WE SHOW OUR LOVE BY SPEAKING CAREFUL WORDS.
A. Be careful when you argue.
“In your anger do not sin…do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27
· “Be careful of the words you say. Keep them soft and sweet. You never know from day to day, which ones you’ll have to eat.” Poet & Author Will Rogers
B. Be careful not to gossip.
“A gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28b
· The 1-11-55 Principle
C. Be careful not to say too much.
“Watch your words and hold your tongue; you’ll save yourself a lot of grief.” Proverbs 21:23 The Message)
III. A LOVING PERSON BUILDS OTHERS UP THROUGH THEIR WORDS.
A. “Don’t let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs.” Ephesians 4:29
B. It helps to T.H.I.N.K. before we se\peak:
· T-is it truthful?
· H-is it helpful?
· I-is it inspirational?
· N-is it necessary?
· K-is it kind?
C. Building others up is about speaking:
· Words that are kind.
“Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.” Proverbs 12:25
· Words that are gentle.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:1
· Words that are pleasant.
“Pleasant words promote instruction.” Proverbs 16:21
· Words that are wise.
“Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as a sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.” Proverbs 12:18