We had the privilege of dedicating little Micah Kingston Barella in yesterday's Celebration Service...
Here's yesterday's sermon notes, continuing our Search for wisdom this Holiday Season...
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Prov.12:18
The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Prov.18:21
Words at their best are honest.
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. Prov.15:4
A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Prov.26:28
John Ortberg: “Impression Management” we want to shade things so that people get the impression we want them to get. Jesus said: “Let your yes be yes, your no be no!” (Mt. 5:37)
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Eph 4:15
My Pastor, Brent Sorlien taught:
Speaking the truth – even when I don’t feel like it.
Speaking the truth – even when it may cost me something.
Speaking the truth – even if it may be misunderstood.
In his book, Be a People Person, John Maxwell tells this story.
Mr. Myrick had to go to Chicago on business and persuaded his brother to take care of his cat during his absence. Though his brother hated cats, (he was a wise and godly man).
Upon his return, Myrick called from the airport to check on the cat. "Your cat died," the brother reported, then hung up.
Myrick was inconsolable. His grief was magnified by his brother's insensitivity, so he called again to express his pain.
"There was no need for you to be so blunt," he said.
"What was I supposed to say?" asked the perplexed brother.
"You could have broken the news gradually," explained Myrick. "You could have said, 'The cat was playing on the roof.' Then, later in the conversation, you could have said, 'He fell off.' Then you could have said, 'He broke his leg.' Then when I came to pick him up, you could have said, 'I'm so sorry. You're cat passed away during the night.' You've got to learn to be more tactful.
"By the way, how's Mom? After a long pause, the brother replied, "She's playing on the roof."
Words at their best are calm.
Speaking the truth – even when I don’t feel like it.
Speaking the truth – even when it may cost me something.
Speaking the truth – even if it may be misunderstood.
In his book, Be a People Person, John Maxwell tells this story.
Mr. Myrick had to go to Chicago on business and persuaded his brother to take care of his cat during his absence. Though his brother hated cats, (he was a wise and godly man).
Upon his return, Myrick called from the airport to check on the cat. "Your cat died," the brother reported, then hung up.
Myrick was inconsolable. His grief was magnified by his brother's insensitivity, so he called again to express his pain.
"There was no need for you to be so blunt," he said.
"What was I supposed to say?" asked the perplexed brother.
"You could have broken the news gradually," explained Myrick. "You could have said, 'The cat was playing on the roof.' Then, later in the conversation, you could have said, 'He fell off.' Then you could have said, 'He broke his leg.' Then when I came to pick him up, you could have said, 'I'm so sorry. You're cat passed away during the night.' You've got to learn to be more tactful.
"By the way, how's Mom? After a long pause, the brother replied, "She's playing on the roof."
Words at their best are calm.
A gentle answer will calm a person’s anger, but an unkind answer will cause more anger. Prov.15:1
Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. Prov.25:15
Words at their best are few.
“If you talk a lot, you are sure to sin; if you are wise, you will keep quiet.” Prov.10:19 (see also 11:12 and 17:27-28).
Perhaps we should talk to God more and talk to people less! Just a thought.
Ask:
Are these words true?
Are these words uplifting?
Are these words necessary?
If they do not pass these three tests, “keep quiet!”
God has given us 2 ears and 1 mouth!
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most fools do." Benjamin Franklin
Words at their best are encouraging.
Literally, it means to “put courage into” someone!
The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl. Prov.25:11
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Prov.12:25
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” Prov.15:23
Barnabas (son of encouragement)
Acts 9:26-31
Acts 15:36-40
2 Tim. 4:1
Acts 9:26-31
Acts 15:36-40
2 Tim. 4:1
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Prov.11:25
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